After years of focusing on carbon fiber bikes, Niner has released an updated version of their classic steel SIR 9. Niner classifies the completely redesigned model as the “Where Can’t You Go, What Can’t You Do?” bike.
The SIR 9 re-releases with Niner’s latest approach to trail geometry, encouraging the rider to push their limits and ride faster than they have before.
“Do It Most”
Designed around a 120mm suspension fork, Niner is not going to claim that the SIR 9 can do it all, but with a lightweight Reynolds 853 frame, the bike can go racing, shred in the woods and get loaded up for bikepacking adventure. Thanks to a new bottom bracket and chainstay yoke, the frame can be built up with either 29 x 2.4″ or 27.5 x 3.0″ tires to offer the choice of maximum roll over or ultra traction and stability.
The SIR 9 also gets 148×12 Boost spacing in the rear and a 73mm PF30 BB shell that accommodates both 1x and 2x geared and single speed drivetrain configurations.
Niner has resisted the trend of many of their competitors and eschewed internal cable and house routing, but there does appear to be routing for a dropper post.
Pack It Up:
Though I personally would build this up as a fun trail/play bike, the SIR 9 has 18 mounting points for bottle cages, bento boxes, racks, fenders and more.
Builds:
While I’m still waiting to hear about pricing for the frame (update: frames will sell for $2000), Niner has released specs on complete builds. Options include 2-Star to 5-Star packages ranging in price from a 2-Star 29″ kit that built around a Reba fork and a mix of Shimano SLX and RaceFace drivetrain bits that is expected to go for $3000 to a top-of-the-line 5-Star with carbon wheels and a SRAM Eagle X01 drivetrain that will retail for $6000. 27.5 + completes are available as well.
Dropper posts are included on every build.
The sweet spot seems to be the 4-Star build with a full Shimano XT drivetrain, Fox 34 Float fork and Stan’s Arch wheels that will go for $4400.
Ron is the chief cook and bottlewasher at Bike World News, doing everything from website design to bike reviews.
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Current Bike Quiver:
Bird Bikes Zero 29 29″ hardtail mountain bike
Commencal Absolut 26″ Dirt Jump/Pump Track bike
Commencal Tempo 29″ full suspension mountain bike
Felt ZA 700c race bike
Kona Kilauea vintage 26″ mountain bike
Niner RLT9 700c road/gravel bike
Specialized Stumpjumper vintage 26″ mountain bike
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