Niner

AIR 9 2-Star SX Eagle Mountain Bike

Designed for the rough and tumble of modern cross-country riding without breaking the bank is the Niner Air 9 2-Star SX Eagle Mountain Bike. This budget-friendly hardtail from Niner proves we don't need a blinged-out race machine to go fast on the singletrack. Well specced parts from Niner are provided to keep rolling speeds high and fun at a maximum. With the affordable Niner Air 9 we're exploring the local trail scene and maybe dipping our toes into the cross-country race scene waters too.

Geometry designed for the Niner Air 9 is fit for a cross-country or trail machine, but either way, we're comfortable ripping new trails near and far. Though the Air 9 might be built on a budget we're seasoned enough to know that geometry is where it really counts. A well-performing bike is going to have a head-tube and seat-tube that compliment the riding style desired and the Air 9 ticks all those boxes. A 68-degree head-tube angle adorns the bike, meaning it sits right in the middle of slack and aggressive, making it great for long forays into the woods or those shorter cross-country events. Niner has also lengthened the seat-stays with the Air 9, giving it more tire clearance in the rear and more stability as well.

When we're not flying through undulating trails we're probably climbing super steep walls, and that's when we're thankful for the immense amount of range we get with the Eagle 12-speed drivetrain. A new Manitou Fork works on the front end and uses the proven and popular Z2 rail damper to keep things in control out front. The 120mm of suspension is well needed and we use every bit of it out on trail. Well specced SRAM brakes are provided with a 160mm rotor in the rear and 180mm in the front to provide control and composure along all sorts of trail conditions.

When Niner set out to get people back on bikes they probably didn't expect as much love for the Niner Air 9 2-Star Eagle build as we're happy giving it. This wallet-friendly build is an excellent choice for those of us just getting into the sport and want a robust aluminum frame with proven components. Eagle drivetrain parts are easy to find replacements for thanks to their large ecosystem of compatible parts. The Manitou fork uses proven materials and methods to gets us through while in-house Niner components make up the rest of this quality build. We'll be taking on new trails in our backyard and finding excuses to get out on bigger excursions during the weekends aboard our Niner Air 9.