Ride in Peace

[dstepper]

The Niner RIP.

Medium frame: I was hoping to get the build near 28lbs…I could have done it if I used lighter tires and different pedals. It came in at 30.26lbs with no weigh weenie parts.

We didn’t get the build done until after 6PM; so by the time I got home the only had time to ride Laguna Wilderness Park- up Dartmore, Boat Canyon to Bommer Ridge and back. My first ride impressions are pretty much what I was expecting. This is not my first 29-inched wheeled bike so I know what bigger wheels can do. I am pleasantly surprised how good this bike feels up out of the saddle climbing. No rocks tonight but the high speed stutter steps and wash board fireroad the bike handled excellent. I picked a RIP frame to lean more towards my Niner One-9 than my old 5-Spot. WHen we measured the headangle: Mondo, Sid and I were surprised that it was 73 degrees, it seems that it should be twitchy, but that is not the case...good part is it has room to put a longer travel fork. But that is not what I am looking for in this build. That bottomless plush all coil suspension feel will be when I replace my Turner.

I will find something steep tomorrow in Aliso to see how it feels going down, I already know that it will be excellent on tight switchbacks. Tomorrow I am prepared to be under whelmed on the tech downs…I cannot compare this build to my old bike.

Turner Report. At this time, because my frame is out of warranty Turner has no frame for me. We are still talking to them about a discounted 2007 RFX frame. We need to send them the frame and they will let me no in a few days what my options are. Anyway at least I have a capable steed for my upcoming road trips.

It is so hot around here I am thinking about going to Prescott and ride Mt. Elden in Flagstaff.

Dean

[J_Sims]

what time are you looking at hitting up Aliso??

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by J_Sims

what time are you looking at hitting up Aliso??

9ish. Wanta go?

[Dino Brown]

Congratulations and good luck with regard to the RFX frame!

[J_Sims]

Originally Posted by dstepper

9ish. Wanta go?

Gotta be workin at 9ish... I was out ther this evening, had a great ride on the SS Dripping cave/coyote run/up Cholla/Up to the top of Mathis and down Mathis back over Dripping cave and out to the car/ church parking lot.. Whenever I am in town i hit that place up in the evenings... usually start around 5 or 6.... whenever that works with your agenda drop me a line.

Enjoy your ride and I hope that you are pleasantly surprised with your RIP

[Pho'dUp]

Please post a full review when you get more time on the RIP Dean. I've heard some say that the rear end feels flexy so I'm really curious to see what a guy coming from a Turner thinks.

OH, btw, that bike does look sweet!

Thanks,

Carl

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by Pho'dUp

Please post a full review when you get more time on the RIP Dean. I've heard some say that the rear end feels flexy so I'm really curious to see what a guy coming from a Turner thinks.

OH, btw, that bike does look sweet!

Thanks,

Carl

I will and I have read the same reports. That is the reason I went with a Fun Bolts instead of Quick Release on the rear hub and DT Swiss 7.1 Trecking Rims. Believe me it took alot to get me away from Turner and Ventana frames. Having spent time on both the RIP geometry just feels good to me...I like the relaxed feel.

Dean

[CalEpic]

Nice new bike D. Check your pm's.

C

[SAR_boats]

Nice rig. That build must have set you back a bit but it looks very nice.

It is always nice to start the day with a little bike p0rn.

Thanks, Dean!

BTW: What tires are those and how do you like them? Are you going to post a spec list for us to drool over?

[Burner]

Wow, that was quick!

Nice ride Dean, I was down in Newport last night, almost called you to see if you had time for an evening ride... should've.

Enjoy!

[Kid A]

dean - nice rig. enjoy and most def post rest of reviews.

What happened to your turner and what is warranty stips for turner . not lifetime on frames???

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by Kid A

dean - nice rig. enjoy and most def post rest of reviews.

What happened to your turner and what is warranty stips for turner . not lifetime on frames???

When I bought my Turner in 2003 they had a one year warranty, they now have two years.

Dean

Originally Posted by Burner

Wow, that was quick!

Nice ride Dean, I was down in Newport last night, almost called you to see if you had time for an evening ride... should've.

Enjoy!

It was what Tani had in stock that fit me and I wanted. Have been wanting a geared clown bike for a while. If The Path or Turner would have had a Medium RFX frame in stock I would have built one up. After riding the RIP I am glad that things went the way they have.

Dean

Originally Posted by SAR_boats

Nice rig. That build must have set you back a bit but it looks very nice.

It is always nice to start the day with a little bike p0rn.

Thanks, Dean!

BTW: What tires are those and how do you like them? Are you going to post a spec list for us to drool over?

2.35 Panaracer Rampage. Good tires for loose over hardback not as heavy as the Nevegal with almost the same thread pattern.

Some stuff I moved over from the Spot: Bars Azonic, Stem Thomson, saddle WTB Devo, Cranks Middleburn compact 20-30-42, Shimano 525 pedals, XT front derailleur, XTR back.

Stuff I bought: Frame, Reba fork, wheel set (Kings with fun bolts DT Swiss 7.1) Thompson seat post. Had to replace worn 20 granny and new XT cassett and Sram chain.

[Chaos]

sweet and congrats on the new Niner.

[tkblazer]

beautiful bike deano.... i saw on another forum that Madre just built up a new Jet9... that bike is freakin sweet and just under 24 lbs.

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by tkblazer

beautiful bike deano.... i saw on another forum that Madre just built up a new Jet9... that bike is freakin sweet and just under 24 lbs.

I wish. A Jet at 24lbs and 220 lbs of Dean...bad idea. Tani just shock his head when I brought up that idea.

Dean

[Pain Freak]

Love your choice in colors....reminds me of something.....Oh well, congrats on the new bike. I hope DT takes care of you.

[dstepper]

Spent the afternoon riding in Aliso. The RIP is a very nice bike. Those who ride with me I am a slow climber and I have never pushed my old 5-Spot to what it was capable of doing. I am liking the ride of this bike as more than the Turner...it fits my riding style or lack there of better.

By far the RIP is the easiest bike I have ever pedaled up Cholla. The decent down Rockit was controlled...big tires don't drop into the wholes and the Reba worked pretty good. Carved the switchbacks on Dripping Cave and Meadows. If you have ever been on big tires you already know they are much more stable going downhill fast.

My old opinion on 29 inch wheeled bikes was that they make good singlespeeds. I need to expand that to they make excellent capable geared trail bikes. It is just plan easier to get up and over rocks on tech climbs with then big wheels.

Dean

[Pain Freak]

Yeah, but Dean, 29er's are just a fad, don't be taken in.

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by Pain Freak

Yeah, but Dean, 29er's are just a fad, don't be taken in.

Great Mike you got your kid on line to get more THX.

Dean

[xhuskr]

Glad you got another bike Dean. Enjoy the ride on the holiday!

How many bikes is that now?