New Steel Niner RLT9

[sparky33]

Does anything else think that having a quick-release front and thru-axle rear seems half-assed? It would be nice if the standards could at least be consistent within the same bicycle.

Is there any practical reason for this mix?

[ceolwulf]

Originally Posted by sparky33

Does anything else think that having a quick-release front and thru-axle rear seems half-assed? It would be nice if the standards could at least be consistent within the same bicycle.

Is there any practical reason for this mix?

That's the one odd point that stuck out to me too. Probably an issue of what fork was available/suitable?

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by JAGI410

I was excited until I saw the PF30 BB. Deal breaker!

Cheaper than paragon sliders.

[JAGI410]

Originally Posted by oldpotatoe

Cheaper than paragon sliders.

Another gripe with this whole "adventure bike" trend...single speed capability should be mandatory. If you're going on a proper adventure, you need to be able to get home. That means planning for a busted dérailleur, or being able to stop in any podunk bike shop and be able to buy a fitting bottom bracket.

[dolface]

Originally Posted by JAGI410

Another gripe with this whole "adventure bike" trend...single speed capability should be mandatory. If you're going on a proper adventure, you need to be able to get home. That means planning for a busted dérailleur, or being able to stop in any podunk bike shop and be able to buy a fitting bottom bracket.

I think the RLT9 is SS capable (as long as you buy Niner's proprietary Biocentric 30 insert and run a threaded BB in that).

[jackattack]

Originally Posted by jagi410

i was excited until i saw the pf30 bb. Deal breaker!

+1

[Chromoroboto]

I'd go for a MUSA Gunnar Fastlane with the accompanying Fastlane fork. Price is comparable too.

[gomango]

I have a forum buddy that is building a Wraith Paycheck this spring.

Somewhat similar pricepoint at $1,350.

I like the looks of the Wraith and the Niner for that matter, but I want to hear some direct feedback from him before I make a decision.

FWIW I built up a used ti Warbird frameset this last winter with a friend. I was able to use the bike for a few days in the Austin, TX area two weeks ago.

What a versatile bike for the $$$.

Lots of choices in this price range.

[bcgav]

Originally Posted by josephr

looks like they've updated their website...$1450 for a frameset sounds reasonable compared to a Gunnar Hyper-X with a fork...no weights given though.

http://www.ninerbikes.com/rlt9steel

Gunnar is handmade in USA, Niner welded in Taiwan?

Originally Posted by Chromoroboto

I'd go for a MUSA Gunnar Fastlane with the accompanying Fastlane fork. Price is comparable too.

+1.

Niner needs a little more BB drop IMHO.

[josephr]

Originally Posted by bcgav

Gunnar is handmade in USA, Niner welded in Taiwan?

but with the Niner you get that 853 sticker....not sure if you get a MUSA sticker with the Gunnar.

[bcgav]

Originally Posted by josephr

but with the Niner you get that 853 sticker....not sure if you get a MUSA sticker with the Gunnar.

Hyper-X is True Temper OX Platinum but no sticker

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by Chromoroboto

I'd go for a MUSA Gunnar Fastlane with the accompanying Fastlane fork. Price is comparable too.

Agree and custom available as well.

[alessandro]

Nice frame, but what the heck does this mean:
"sport-beer compatible water bottle mount"?

[Michael Maddox]

I have been in the market for two such bikes for some time, one for my home and one to keep at my office (in a neighboring town) to use as an all-purpose road/trail machine.

The Niner was certainly on my radar, but I just could NOT see making an investment in through-axle wheels! You folks know I love me some wheels, but the thought of having another wheel set that couldn't be moved between bikes...I just couldn't do it.

So, I ordered a Zanc, and bought a Diamondback Haanjo Trail. I rode the Haanjo this weekend for the first time...it's an aluminum frame, carbon fork, HED Flanders wheels, spec'ed with Ultegra and some cable-actuated hydro brakes (super weird). It's comparatively inexpensive, and it rides GREAT...light and fun.

I rode some nearby trails this weekend, and other than having to stay on my game to avoid roots (this ain't a 29er), I found the bike absolutely ideal in the dirt with the included 40mm tires, though I'll probably find something a little more street-wise for general riding.

Best of all, it's just another QR disc-brake wheel set.

[AJosiahK]

They look awesome, and the paint jobs look nice.

lets see how they actually perform though.

I might have missed the tubing but I bet its not the lightest.

This thru axle stuff im not sure about either.