After multiple rounds on the Niner Jet 9, what does 198 think about this rocket? It is fast…blazing fast actually. The Niner Jet 9’s 80mm travel platform makes for a great all day ride platform that is incredibly efficient. This bike has been put through some abuse in everything from groomed local hot spots to all mountain, technical epics and so far…it delivers exactly as promised. As I ride the Niner Jet 9, I have to remember that it is a purpose built machine. If you are a rider looking for the perfect 24 hr race bike or a pure cross country zealot, then the Jet 9 is built to make you faster and more consistent.
The 80mm rear travel CVA linkage is plush enough to take the edge off providing greater traction to the large 29er wheel, but with integrated suspension curve ramping…it also will not have harsh bottom outs. This gives the illusion of a bottomless feeling, but what I have found is that the bike does a great job of sitting in its travel. There is no uncontrolled mid stroke wallow or unpredictable damping action. The spec’ed Fox RP23 does help, but even during long, extended climbs, I found the bike worked much better if you just left the Propedal off. The larger wheel diameter and short suspension travel kept the rear tire on the ground without losing much efficiency…at least not enough to worry about.
I was a little worried about the geometry numbers with my riding style. The Jet 9’s geometry keeps to the hardtail line for Niner to provide a quick turning full suspension rig. I typically like super tech, fast downhills and I think I made Chris Sugai a little nervous when I told him what I was going to do to this bike. After multiple runs on my favorite North Georgia hot spots, I can see that this bike can handle a beating. Does that mean I didn’t over ride the frame and it feels like it has 6″ of travel but rides like a hardtail? Absolutely not…any 80mm frame is going to show its limits with rock gardens and air time, but the good news…the bike was still ticking after the abuse.
I still have a couple of rides I want to get in on this frame before I do a full out review detailing everything I have mentioned here, but so far…this bike has been a blast to ride. Stay tuned for more postives/negatives on the Niner Jet 9. A full review on the frame and the ride is coming soon.
More on the Niner Jet 9…
Image by: Laurie at mylifeonabike.com