|
|
 |
|
|
We are stoked to announce the Niner's Carbon Fork has garnered a Eurobike Design Award in the Components category. This award is given to components that exhibit particularly innovate design and above average product quality. For those of you unfamiliar with the technology and design behind the Niner fork, we share what we included in our entry:
The Niner carbon rigid fork incorporates advances design features. It is a true monocoque construction requiring only one mold for production. Lay-up proceeds in order, from the top of the carbon steerer then to the crown section and to the legs and finally the dropouts, all as a single unit. With the exception of small metal protection plates bonded to the dropouts and the threaded inserts in the disc mount, the fork is 100% carbon fiber - unique in mountain bikes. Like all Niner carbon, this light fork exceeds CEN standards for strength and safety while supplying the superb ride quality required of a rigid fork.
· No rider weight limit (we initially had a weight limit set, but have since removed it, see below)
· Fits rotors up to 185mm
· 565 grams
The Niner carbon fork is available in many colors to match Niner paint, in Nude carbon for those that prefer a glossy black finish, and is also available unfinished to qualified painters and custom builders for those seeking the perfect rigid fork for their custom project. Purchase from a Niner Dealer or in the Niner Store.
|
|
Another Eurobike in the books for the Niner crew!
We really look forward to Eurobike - it is a good chance to see the distributors who have become family to us, to meet new Niner riders and to introduce 29ers to a new crew of mountain bikers. The Eurobike location is beautiful - just north of the Bodensee in Southern Germany - and it attracts riders from around the world, such as our friend from the Czech Republic, shown above.
Day 1 was the Dirt Demo. We lucked out and had great weather but the tons of rain in the days before meant that demo riders had their work cut out for them in the mud and muck. Luckily, this didn't seem to discourage anyone and we were busy the entire time. This was definitley a demo for 29ers and every one of our bikes was gone for the whole day - we barely had time to get the mud hosed off in-between rides. For those of you wondering about the glamour of owning a bike company, check the pic of Chris, Steve and Brett cleaning the demo fleet, below.
Day 2 was the first indoor tradeshow day. For Niner, this was a chance to spend time with our distributors, to meet our European dealers in person and to introduce some new colors to the Niner fleet (see below). Most importantly, we attended an award ceremony with Steve, whose work on the Niner Carbon Fork garnered a Eurobike award. We were pretty proud to watch him stand up on stage with other bike industry designers for who we have tons of respect.
Days 3 and 4 were long show days full of media interviews, dealer and equipment meetings and some time to look at the rest of the show, of course!
In the end, this was our most successful Eurobike yet. We are really excited to see how the 29er wheel is being embraced in Europe!
Next stop, Interbike! We have a few additional new things to share, so stop by to say hi!
|
|
As posted on our Facebook page live from Eurobike, we have added a few new colors to the Niner line up. All bikes with new paint have been updated with new images on Ninerbikes.com. Click through to see the options for Jet 9, R.I.P. 9, W.F.O. 9, A.I.R. 9, S.I.R. 9, E.M.D. 9 and M.C.R. 9.
Not all colors will be available right away - see your Niner Dealer for details.
|
>> NINER CARBON FORK: NO WEIGHT LIMIT, ACCEPTS UP TO 185MM ROTORS
|
|
When we first introduced the Niner carbon fork, it was after lengthy tests, tons of ride time and numerous engineering reviews. Our fork passed CEN standards with no problem, in fact, the fork went way beyond CEN standards for strength and safety. Despite these things, we decided that for the first year we would keep our recommendations very, very conservative - hence the rider weight limit and smaller allowable rotor size.
There was a fair amount of doubt about the validity of carbon for mountain bike forks, and we did our best to illustrate the strength of carbon vs. steel for the riding community at large via our oft-viewed fork hammering video. While many of you saw the video, not many people saw what happened later - we took the hammered fork and ran it back through our testing machines, where it passed and surpassed safety standards by wide margins, AGAIN. In fact, we subjected this fork to rigorous tests and abuse that went far beyond standard procedures, ending with good old fashioned jumping up and down on it, on a set of stairs, just for fun. In every instance, the fork went way beyond what we expected for strength and resilience.
In light of the robust character, we have decided to lift the rider weight limit and to expand the recommended rotor size range for the Niner Carbon Fork. Now, this doesn't mean that you should install this fork on a bicycle for your next ten-man fraternity joke, nor does it mean that you should abuse it as we do in the workshop, but it does mean that when used with appropriate care and common sense and when installed by qualified mechanics, that our fork should inspire as much confidence as any other good fork you might put on a bicycle, even if you weigh 250 lbs.*
Note: We haven't changed the fork at all, and if you currently own a Niner carbon fork that says max rotor size 160mm, you are ok to install a 185mm rotor if you wish. Your fork is just as strong as the forks that now list the larger limit.
* The Niner Carbon fork is intended as a light weight cross country fork and should be used as such. Although this fork is stong and we have every confidence in its durability, care should be taken and routine inspection should take place. Common sense as to the limits of rigid riding and what this does to stress on ALL parts of the bicycle still apply.
|
|
Everyone that renews or joins at the I.M.B.A. booth during the Interbike tradeshow will be entered to win a new Jet 9 frame! The odds are pretty good and even if you don't win you still get to support a great cause (one that is close to our hearts here at Niner)!
|
|
|
We have a great crew of people who work to bring Niner Bikes to the world, and as a part of expanding the Niner community, we thought we would start making some introductions:
Introducing Aaron Brown.
Our MidWest and Mountain State Sales manager (responsible for getting bikes out from Utah to Arkansas), Aaron is a 15-year industry veteran, who started as a humble shop kid in Alaska.
Alaska is a recurring theme with Aaron, most recently as the finish of an epic bike trip:
"My friend Adam and I drove from the Arizona/Mexico border (Tuscon) to
Anchorage, AK last summer. In eight days we rode 8 different trails
including Goosberry Mesa, The Wastch Crest (on the same day), Mt
Galbraith, WA, Whistler Bike Park and Whitehorse in the Yukon
Territory."
Alaska also comes up when we ask for Aaron's favorite place to ride:
"There is no place like home. Anchorage. While
there are certainly more challenging trails in the country and of
course Whistler is hard to top, there is something special about riding
the trails where I first learned to pedal a mountain bike. Of course it
is nice to know that you can go for a ride at 9pm and not have to worry
about getting stuck out in the dark."
When he isn't working with our dealers or criss-crossing the country, Aaron is out on either his tang S.I.R. 9 or his raw R.I.P. 9. When asked about his set up on the R.I.P. 9 he said "Sram XO 36/22 2x9 with E-13 bash, Joplin post, Juicy 7 brakes, Flow Wheels and Maxis Ardent tires. I put the weight back on and the bike has never ridden better. I think that folks sometimes lose out on handling by pursuing the lightest craziest parts out there. A little tire width can go a long way."
|
|
|
Coupon code is good for 25% off retail in the Niner store, for a limited time, while supplies last.
|
Niner Bikes will always be dedicated to building hardcore 29 inch mountain bikes. We thank our loyal customers and dealers that make this passion a reality.
Chris & Steve
Niner Bikes
|
|
|
|
|
|
