NINER AIR 9

Niner's formula for developing bikes resulted in many firsts and shot the company to the forefront of the mountain bike market. Widely acclaimed for their early adoption of the 29in standard, even going so far as to push other manufacturers to produce components exclusively for oversized wheels. Niner is the undisputed leader in unleashing the full potential of 29ers, and in silencing a dying breed: Naysaying luddites on 26in wheels. One bike that consistently changes minds and challenges preconceived notions is the Niner Air 9.

For 2012, the Air 9 continues to sway riders with its lightweight, hydroformed alloy tubeset, a tapered headtube, and the press-fit BB30 bottom bracket interface. Based on finite element analysis and real world testing, Niner employed extensive hydroforming to perfect the tube shapes. These tubes, when combined with widespread forging and CNC machining throughout crucial elements, ensure the optimum balance of strength to weight. The end result is a frame that's incredibly strong, lightweight, and accelerates on demand, but won't beat you up or feel like a lame duck when you’re pushing the limits of your riding.

Packing seven dirty years under its belt, the agile Air 9 rolls with the kind of refinement established riders cherish. An 80mm to 100mm fork will complement Niner's geometry nicely, or if you're looking for the ultimate in weight savings, one of Niner's lauded rigid carbon forks will do the trick. The tapered headtube comes equipped with a Cane Creek IS42/28.6|IS52/40 integrated (Campy style) headset. You'll need a 31.6mm seatpost and a high-mount, bottom-swing, bottom-pull front derailleur with a 34.9mm clamp. The rear triangle lets you run up to a 2.4in tire, and a 160mm rotor. Niner recommends maximum front chainring sizes of 26/39 for SRAM, or 28/40 for Shimano 2X10 applications to avoid interference issues. Any traditional triple setup will work fine.

The Niner Air 9 comes in three colors: Licorice, Tangerine, and White. A full size run: Small Medium, Large, and Extra Large make sure there's a Niner for everybody.

Buy Frameset Only