Niner Jet 9 Broken Shock Link "recall"

[BrewMaster]

They don't call it a recall, but it sure sounds like one to me if they are asking you to stop riding the bike and have it inspected by a shop.

From MTBR's Niner forum.

Niner Jet 9 Issue
We have some bad news to report. We have seen 7 frames where the upper link has broken on the Jet 9. We have started some initial investigations into the cause.

We just got some of the failed links back and are sending them to a metallurgist to test the metal to see if the final links were defective on an aluminum alloy basis.

We feel it is our responsibility to inform you and to be open about how we are going to rectify the situation.

We at this time do ask that you stop riding your Jet 9 and please have your local shop inspect the upper shock linkage for cracks.

Given our size we spend a huge amount of money on R&D testing. We use FEA analysis on our frames and parts, physical jig testing, and of course real world testing. Even with these safe guards in place things can still happen.

We hope you will be understanding and see that we are being open about this issue. We are riders just like you and know what a bummer it is to get something and not be able to use it. We are going to rectify the situation and get you back on the trails as fast and responsibly as we can. I’m sure this will be fodder for those “haters” but we will just have to take our lumps and move on.



Chris & Steve
Niner Bikes

[PacMan]

I was going to buy a JET frame, but with my bad luck, I decided to wait until next year to see if there were any bugs that needed to be worked out.

At 220 lbs, this may have been one for me.

[dstepper]

My RIP was first run is nearly the same frame weight as the Jet. Niner will take a bashing for this, it is really to bad. All the pre-production testing in the world won't help if one production part is made wrong. I am sure if it was a design problem Niner would have worked it out prior to release. This seems to be a manufacturing problem..metal too brittle.

Dean

[dubjay]

Originally Posted by dstepper

My RIP was first run is nearly the same frame weight as the Jet. Niner will take a bashing for this, it is really to bad. All the pre-production testing in the world won't help if one production part is made wrong. I am sure if it was a design problem Niner would have worked it out prior to release. This seems to be a manufacturing problem..metal too brittle.

The initial release data was actually pushed back because Niner wanted to use chromed/polished rockers on the JET9. I'm guessing these chromed/polished rockers didn't get much testing.

[allison]

I don't think it'll affect their bottom line too much. They reported it to the public asap (though not every owner reads MTBR, so hopefully they have other ways?) and aren't being underhanded about it.

People will still buy the JET's, and their other models as well IMO.

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by allison

I don't think it'll affect their bottom line too much. They reported it to the public asap (though not every owner reads MTBR, so hopefully they have other ways?) and aren't being underhanded about it.

People will still buy the JET's, and their other models as well IMO.

Do you think that not being able to sell the frames, replace all of the linkages and tell of the current owners to STOP riding their bikes will not hurt their bottom line too much.

This isn't Fisher or Giant. They are a small company that outsources all of their production overseas. Do you know how long it will take to get replacement parts made.

I hope for the best but this could get ugly.

[tbowren]

Originally Posted by DeeZee

Do you think that not being able to sell the frames, replace all of the linkages and tell of the current owners to STOP riding their bikes will not hurt their bottom line too much.

I hear what your saying but this is only 1 of their bikes, and it just came out so not alot of people are riding them yet. I think it would be much worse news if it were on a frame that had been sold for longer.

Granted there will be some frustrated racers who will not have their bikes ready for their event.

At the end of the day I don't think this will severely hurt the company.

[kdog4130]

I think it's cool that they sent out the info in that manner. Trek had some "issues" with a weld on their new Ex bikes, and didn't even go this far to let the population know. And were talking hundreds of bikes here. The word "recall" has such a negative tone to it, but you gotta call a spade a spade. I really dig Niner, they make some amazing Frames. If only my shop sold them.......

[Jeryang]

They've edited the post on mtbr. Among other things, they added this:

If you have a crack please contact us. If not we still must ask that you do not ride the bike further as there is always a potential for an injury due to a breakage.

What a bummer.

[Rockinthecasbah]

glad I didint buy one I would have killed it

[Chewyeti]

Originally Posted by Rockinthecasbah

glad I didint buy one I would have killed it

Let alone my fatass

[Impy]

I know they will do right. I'm still planning on getting one eventually....have another bike in my sights first though...

[Wrecker]

Okay, let me vent a bit....I think Niner is great for coming forward with this issue, addressing it, and recommending that riders stop using the bike until they solve the problem/resolve the issue.

As some of you know, I have a Titus...after riding the Titus once a week for 2 months (a total of 8 times), I noticed a creaking sound and was told that the rear wheel seemed to be off-center. Turns out, the bolt from the chain stay had fallen out, along with the nut. What was Titus' response?

"Sorry to hear of your misfortune. Please forward me your shipping details and I will drop a couple in the mail for you. Typically, we recommend checking the bolts in the rear end regularly to avoid these issues. ...We assemble that piece with a 2-ton hydraulic press and in order to fix yours correctly, we should really have it here to do."

They NEVER "dropped the parts in the mail", and after John tightened them, they have NEVER loosened up again. Now, which bike do you think I love more--my Niner or my Titus?

[PassatBoy101]

Good think I bought a RIP

[Pain Freak]

And so now it starts....

I can see them already jumping off the bandwagon. Remember you heard it here first, the 9er thing is dead. Long live the 26er!!!

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by Pain Freak

And so now it starts....

I can see them already jumping off the bandwagon. Remember you heard it here first, the 9er thing is dead. Long live the 26er!!!

You would not know it by our SART ride yesterday 6 of 12 riders were on big wheels.

Dean

[Pain Freak]

You see it's official then. 50% of the people can't be wrong!