Niner Air9 vs. EMD9

[PacMan]

So I'm already "planning ahead" as I like to call it and I'm looking at the Niner Air9 frame and the Niner EMD9 frame. I saw a complete Air9 built up at work and it was SWEET!! It was crazy light for a 29er and looked cool in the Raw color. We also have a Black EMD9 frame on the wall.

Anyway, when I looked on Niner's website, the Air9 (3.1 lbs) is only .40 lbs lighter than the EMD9 (3.5 lbs) and I'm trying to decide if it's worth the extra $$.

Also, I would be running grears and am currently on a steel frame now. I'm looking at a new frame becuase the Zion 737 frame I'm on now weighs 4.9 lbs, so I could drop some good weight (along with Crossmax wheels).

How does Scandium ride compared to Aluminum?? I'd appreciate any feedback. Thanks.

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by mechmann

aluminum and scandium are both aluminum alloys (aluminum is never pure for bike frames, too soft).

scandium is an alloy used by some companies to reduce weight, they take more material out of the tubes.

i doubt you would notice the difference in ride quality, but lighter is always better (untill the frame breaks)

scandium adds some spring to the frame Everything else mech said was right on.

Have you considered a higher quality STEEL frame? Like the Niner MCR.

After riding STEEL HT's for the last few years can't say I would ever go back to Alum.

[schleppp]

I would so love to have an Air9...

[dstepper]

As much as I love both my Niners, a RIP and a One-9...I am not lovin' the low bottom brackets. It is workable on the SS but I am switching to shorter crankarms (175mm) for the RIP and looking around for a longer travel fork for it...have a Reba on there now.

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by mechmann

maybe try the White Bros. F135?

I all most bought one when I built the bike back in July...in hindsite I should have...I had no idea that I would be smacking as many rocks as I am climbing rock gardens...good training ratcheting....but it is getting old and causing stalls.

If you see one used for sale let me know. I am also looking for a 2006 Zoke 66SL used.

Dean

[MTBMaven]

PacMan. I have am partial to the MCR steel, seeing as I have one in the house right now. However given your proposed options, i.e. AIR9 or EMD9, I would go EMD. When I was doing my research on frames I read some unfavorable post about EBBs and sliders for that matter. If you plan to run geared most of the time I would look at the EMD.

[PacMan]

Thanks for the tips. I haven't decided on any one frame yet. Heck, I haven't even decided if I'm going to replace the Zion frame. I just like to plan ahead and "marinate" for awhile on my options and choices.

I appreciate the comments.

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by dstepper

As much as I love both my Niners, a RIP and a One-9...I am not lovin' the low bottom brackets. It is workable on the SS but I am switching to shorter crankarms (175mm) for the RIP and looking around for a longer travel fork for it...have a Reba on there now.

are my pet peave. I had my eye on a RIP but the low bb scared me away. Some guys love low bb's but I don't.

Too bad Niner doesn't make different rockers so you can adjust the bb height.

This is one of the main reasons I purchased the Sultan.

[BrewMaster]

Forgive my ignorance, but wouldn't a low BB also help to lower the center of gravity of the bike? If so, that can't be a bad thing.

By the way, what is the difference in "feel" I always hear about with steel? I know, I know, ride both and I will find out. But until that time, anyone care to describe the difference for me? Thx.

[allison]

Originally Posted by BrewMaster

Forgive my ignorance, but wouldn't a low BB also help to lower the center of gravity of the bike? If so, that can't be a bad thing.

Steel isn't as harsh on the bumps as alum. I can SS on my rigid steel surly (26") all day and descending Trabuco on my scandium Dos is probably more painful

The low BB causes more pedal strikes also. It's good on DH/FR bikes probably, but not as necessary on XC bikes.