Also casual: The iconic Americans are not stingy with exotic components. An American Classic wheelset with wide rims or the Formula R1 Racing lightweight brakes are unique in the test field. However, with two 160 mm brake discs, an unergonomic lever and too little power, the brakes are the weak point of the exotic bike. The aluminium seat post is also atypical, but the Niner won the comfort test in our laboratory. The long Ergon saddle also increases the feeling of comfort in practice. We pushed the saddle far forwards to compensate for the slack seat angle. Niner is the only manufacturer among the high-priced bikes to install the slightly cheaper XO1 Eagle groupset, which is already equipped with 12-speed technology. Thanks to the short wheelbase, no corner was too tight, even on the winding race track.
ConclusionBird of paradise with a successful frame. The weak brakes spoil the picture.
The alternative: The Air 9 RDO 3 Star XT costs only marginally less despite its XT equipment.
Simon Stiebjahn: The Niner has exotic status, and not just because of its colourful design: headset caps with crown caps and rare add-on parts can only be found on an American cult brand.
