I’m going to be getting a new MTB this winter. Ever since I saw the first photos of the Air9 Carbon, I’ve wanted one. Not only is it dead freaking sexy, but also the frame is compatible with gears or SS because the BB shell is sized to accept various inserts from EBB to BB30.
There’s a problem, though- Outdoors, Inc. does not sell Niner Bikes.
Don’t get me wrong- I can find a place to buy my precious A9C, but the thing is, I can get something like the Scott Scale 29 RC for a good bit less through the Outdoors employee purchase program. Other than a 15mm thru-axle/fox fork, it comes prettymuch kitted out how I would build the A9C if I were to do such a thing as ride one of those crazy geared bikes. The problem is those pesky gears- the Scott isn’t really made to be a SS frame. I know there are conversion options (I’d probably try something like the White Eccentric ENO hub), but I’m still hesitant.
The Air 9 Carbon is just dead freaking sexy…
I haven’t computed the exact cost of each one, but I know for sure the Scott would be a smaller hit to the pocket book- even if I had to build up a separate SS rear wheel. I’m having a hard time selling myself on that idea, though, because I have LOVED my Niners, and the A9C has been my dream bike for more than a hot minute.
What does The Brickhouse Readership think?
Edit to add: Of course, I’d love it if Outdoors would sell Niner. However, there is already a shop in town that sells Niners, so they aren’t really looking to add another dealer in the same area.
Any chance you could get Outdoors to become a Niner dealer? My LBS did recently and from what they told me it was not that difficult (no huge buy-in or anything).
Any way for Outdoor, Inc to become a Niner dealer?
I’ll admit to being in lust with the A9C as you are, but the scott is a hot bike as well. the singlespeeder in me says niner although this team beer adapter looks promising except you’d have to use a half link for some ratios I believe. don’t have any first hand experience with this adapter but it looks cool for BB30 frames
http://teambeer.info/?page_id=406
Buy the Scott AND the Niner, put the parts off the Scott on the Niner and sell the Scott frame ‘as new’. Bing, Bang, Done.
Plum
While I’m sure it’s good support Outdoors, you know you want the Niner. I read a quote Saturday, “Advice is what you ask for when you know the answer but wish you didn’t.” Also, that Niner frame is TOTALLY sexy. Justin and I drool on it every time we’re in Rock N’ Road :)
I wouldn’t consider the ENO hub a good option on a carbon frame it may not work or may break the frame.
There is one floating around memphis that I built up to a road rim. I think Mike has it you may ask if Joel can get it back so you can see if you’re willing to use it. On my aluminum frame it took a lot of paint off and could cause a disc brake alignment issue for you as well.
If you’re going to go SS I think you only have one option, unless you want two new bikes this winter?
I’ve used the ENO road hub (SS only, never tried to fix it) with no issues on my townie. I’ve heard rotor alignment can be an issue on the disc version if you are changing you cog often. No idea about the carbon frame issues, not quite sure why that would be an issue actually as I don’t think the ENO puts more stress on the rear dropout than they already design for. You could always call White Industries and ask.
The Niner is the better choice if you are gonna want a singlespeed, the Scott is probably better if you are gonna mainly use it geared.
Are you going to wait for your next life to ride your “dream bike”?
Buy it, enjoy it, and don’t look back.
(that’s advice from an old man)
The ENO hub axle is offset so it doesn’t allow the hub to rest where a standard hub does which may move the axle closer to the junction of the seatstays or chainstays. This “may” be a problem, depending on where the hub rests once the chain is tensioned. The axle has to be very tight also so it doesn’t rotate and lose tension. It also digs into the frame pretty good to stop it from rotating which may not be so good for carbon.
you know what you want. embrace those feelings. bikes are the one thing in life I splurge on because its how most of my free time is spent. at least you havent started shopping in the custom market yet. i have one of those coming for the new season and doubt I will regret it. if nothing else, it will be a damn sexy paper weight.
I ride a totally amazing One 9 – blue like the photo at the top of your blog. I love it so much, I had to get the Air9 Carbon (SS).
I looked at the Specialized Evo Epic (or Epic Evo) and could not bring myself to do gears either.
My big nightmare has been Carbon fork or rock shock. Once I discovered the Tang paint is coming out on the Rock Shock, I got totally nuts – I ordered the Tang frame and carbon fork and will ride it for about 6 months. Once the Rock Shock arrives, I’ll have two front-end set ups to pick. (two wheels for the different QR styles w/ rotors). (Hope X2!!)
I figure with the Air9 and One9, I am over spoiled.
My kids have 29er single speeds (not Niner) and they love them. My 14 year old can’t wait to ride the Carbon. . .
Go Niner. The company rules, the bikes ride like a road bike off road; and like the other posts say – you won’t regret it.
I ordered mine completely via the internet – from a shop several hours away from S.D.
Let me know, and I can get you the info – shipping is only 40.00 I think. . .