Forum menu
Looking for something to run with rigid forks and singlspeed or geared and I do like a light bike. Generally prefer steel but could be persuaded by an ally frame with good ride quality. Spec wise a Niner SIR 9 and matching fork is closest but looks really poor value (and it seems to have gone up by more than £200 in the last year..) nearly 3 times the price of some 853 26er frames also built in far east.
There then seems to be a big gap down to the £500 mark of a Swift, Big Unit, Chumba or perhaps the entry level Niner EMD.
Alternatively fot the price of the SIR9 I could go UK custom or spend a bit more and get a Scapin 29er or budget Ti?
Any thoughts or recommendations - maybe I should just accept the poor value of the SIR9?
On-One Ti 29er is a beautiful ride.
I've also got a Salsa Mamasita which I rate very highly.
i was in a similar quandry recently. i went for the swift in the end, they're very nice frames. also on my shortlist was the el mariachi, and you can get the earlier models cheap if you hunt around (rrp is £800 ish though)
i'd agree about the niner. look nice but way overpriced - maybe you can get one from the states?
New Ragley 29er out soon.
absolutely! 😀On-One Ti 29er is a beautiful ride
How about a cheap and cheerful 2nd hand slot-dropout scandal? Lots seem to rave about them.
Salsa Mamasita is indeed an excellent ride!
I'm also waiting for the Ragley jobbie.
sir9 are not a value for money bike in terms of what hardware you actually get. i've had one 3 years and its been the most pleasure i've had out of any bike i've owned, and there has been lots. while i can agree with your point regarding the price, does it really matter.
Does anyone know if any of these are demoable anywhere? I know Singular cycles seem to be very helpful indeed - is anyone else, preferably in East Anglia?
CTBM had a demo SIR9 I beleive, in large.
+1 for the Scandal
Are you afraid of a 'cheap' bike? If someone was after a light, excellent 29er frame for XC, I'd recommend a Scandal outright. I know it isn't overly niche, steel, new, from a 29er only company etc but I can't find fault with it.
therea a nice looking green scandal frame on ebay now.
I'd recommend a Scandal outright
The OP was asking for singlespeed or geared. I thought that On-one had stopped selling the single-speed friendly 29er Scandal?
nice looking green scandal
I like the scandal but is it me or does that green look uninspiring??
you can still Singlespeed the vertical dropout Scandal using a chain tensioner, works perfect on my wifes Inbred with a On-One Doofer.
def go for a Swift (i have one 1x9 rigid)
though for bang for buck the marin nail trail 29er is good value - rides nice as well though looks dull