The weight, always the weight. If you talk to racers about the 29er trend that has now also arrived in Germany, you can't argue away the deadly argument. For 29ers to be used in races, they first have to become lighter. They have finally been approved by the German Cycling Federation. With the Air 9 Carbon, the pure 29er US manufacturer Niner has now come up with the long-awaited anti-thesis - bikes with big wheels can be light! In the BIKE lab, the carbon frame weighs 1450 grams (in the large L size), the complete wheels weigh just 3.7 kilos and the Rock Shox Reba XX fork with X-Loc remote is 1768 grams. Ready to race, the bike weighs just over 10 kilos - with the SRAM XX groupset. Of course, comparably priced 26er race hardtails are still around 700 grams lighter. The frame has Postmount brake mounts, but unlike the leading 26-inch one-kilo frames, it still has aluminium sleeves for mounting the bottom bracket and headset; this also adds more weight to the frame.
After the sober measurements, it's time for emotions: Hardly any other hardtail has these successful, curved shapes, this finish and the eye-catching look. What's more, a Niner bike is a clear rejection of the mainstream of black anodised mass-produced bikes. On the first few metres, the riding position and steering feel strangely different. You soon realise how comfortable the seat is and how nimble the steering is despite the large wheels. Niner combines a steep steering angle with relatively short chainstays, which keeps the bike manoeuvrable enough for singletrack trails. Acceleration takes a few turns of the cranks longer than on the 26er, but once you're up to speed, your mates with the smaller wheels are left panting behind. You ride fast (fast tyres) and feel fast. The traction on steep, damp climbs is almost outrageous despite the low-profile tyres. You can pedal uphill with full grip. It has to be said again and again: only those who have tried it become fans.
ConclusionThe Air 9 Carbon rides great, looks great and is a powerful argument for racers. It couldn't be more customised. Close to the perfect race bike!
Web: www.ninerbikes.com
