Niner Bikes has been rolling through several key updates across it’s entire mountain bike lineup, including the move to Boost hub spacing, a wholesale rework of frame geometry, and the option to run 29in or 27.5+ wheels and tyres. It’s rolled out these changes with full suspension models like the JET 9 and RIP 9, and now it’s doing the same with its hardtail range too.
Hot on the heels of the release of the steel SIR 9 hardtail, the latest AIR 9 encompasses many of the same updates, but encompassed in a lighter and stiffer hydroformed alloy frame. Also built around a 120mm travel fork and a versatile PF30 bottom bracket shell, the new AIR 9 looks to offer a ‘cross country plus’ vibe with plenty of different setup options.
“If a cross country bike met a trail bike out in the woods, they fell in love and had a child, what would that bike be? How about Niner’s new AIR 9? The perfect blend of cross country quickness, mixed with a rowdier attitude. Run it geared. Run it singlespeed. Comfortable enough for all day riding and quick enough to pin it at the races, the new AIR 9 handles what you throw at it. Genetically engineered? Maybe not. But it sure is fun to ride” – From Niner Bikes.
Niner AIR 9 Features
- Hydroformed alloy frame
- Compatible with 29in and 27.5+ wheelsizes
- Max tyre clearance: 29×2.4in or 27.5×3.0in
- Tapered zero-stack head tube
- Designed for 120mm travel forks
- 68° head angle
- 74° seat tube angle
- 427mm chainstay length
- 148x12mm Boost rear spacing
- 73mm PF30 BB shell
- Setup geared or singlespeed with the Niner Biocentric 30 bottom bracket (included)
- Compatible with 1x and 2x drivetrains
- Sizes: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large
Geometry mirrors the latest steel SIR 9, which means the AIR 9 also slackens out to a 68° head angle, and also increases the front centre length across the board. That means you’re looking at a reach measurement of 425mm for a Medium, and 445mm for a Large. Also noteworthy is the 427mm chainstay length, which shortens down from the previous AIR 9 alloy frame’s 439mm chainstay length. Impressive given that the new AIR 9 will fit up to a 29×2.4in wide tyre, or in plus setup, a 27.5×3.0in wide tyre.
To get further information on the new AIR 9, get all the details you need directly from the Niner Bikes website.