Niner

AIR 9 29 1-Star NX Complete Mountain Bike - 2018

Maybe you are just getting into the sport, getting reintroduced after a hiatus, or just looking for a value- packed hardtail to hone some skills this winter and keep bike maintenance to a minimum. If this sounds like you, and you're into the idea of a lightweight, efficient cross country hardtail that can still handle some rugged trails, check out Niner's AIR 9 29 1-Star NX Complete Mountain Bike.

The lightweight hydroformed aluminum frame offers a nimble, spirted ride. Hydroforming uses special molds and fluid pressure to form metal tubes into predetermined shapes. To do this, a tube is placed into a negative mold of the desired final shape. Then, high pressure hydraulic fluid is pumped into the aluminum tube, causing it to expand until the tube conforms to the shape of the mold. Taking things even further, Niner uses a multi stage hydroforming process. A straight gauge tube is butted and mechanically formed in preparation for the hydroforming process. Then, using "multi-stage hydroforming" (a series of molds used in sequence), it creates complex shapes. Multiple steps take longer but weight reduction and higher strength and what results.

The 120mm RockShox Judy Gold fork and tapered 68-degree headtube angle won't hold you back when gravity starts to pull you down. Short, sub 17-inch chainstays help the bike turn on a dime and get you up and over steep, punchy climbs. Built up here, this Air 9 features SRAM's excellent NX1 1x11 drivetrain offering a wide range of gearing. The frame can run a front sideswing derailleur if you decide that you might need additional gearing or if you plan to do some loaded bike touring later. If you really want to keep things simple and strip off the gears, the PF30 bottom bracket shell can house Niner's BioCentric 30 for singlespeed use. It eliminates the need for adjustable dropouts, offering the cleanest possible solution for singlespeed use. No bolt on hubs. No chain tensioners. No brake adjustments due to gear changes. Adding additional versatility to this bike, Boost 148 spacing allows the bike to transform wheels and tires from 27.5+ to the 29-inch that is included in this build. Have the maximum roll over and speed for the races with the 29's, or tons of traction, comfort, and stability with the plus.

Niner's lightweight aluminum hardtail features revised geometry for epic days in the saddle and all-around good handling. The bigger 29er wheels smoothly roll over trail obstacles and the frame has plenty of stiffness to get you up to speed when you get on the gas. Forged chainstay and bottom bracket junction allows for increased stiffness and tire clearance. The Maxxis Ardent tires offered in a 2.4-inch front and 2.25 rear balances fast rolling and grip, and the tread works so well in a variety of conditions and locations. Race Face bar and stem with 35mm clamp keeps the front end stiff so steering precision is on-point and climbing out of the saddle is responsive.