Niners: what are they, how are they different from other bicycles and how to choose them?

Such a fashionable healthy lifestyle today presupposes not only proper nutrition, but also physical activity. More and more people prefer cycling. There are extreme lovers who like to travel in mountainous areas. This requires mountain bikes, which are called off-road bikes.

Niner, also known as tu-niner, means a bicycle for riding in hilly or mountainous terrain. The diameter of its wheels was increased to 622 mm, which corresponds to 29 inches. These wheels evoke different emotions among cycling enthusiasts. Because of them, envious people consider it a two-wheeled vehicle for clowns and old people. Despite the criticism, its popularity is constantly growing.

Its main advantage is its low susceptibility to uneven ground thanks to its larger wheels. Large wheels require a different design than standard wheels. For this, a high frame was created with the center shifted upward, which predetermined other geometric features:

• increased the length of the feathers to 431 mm;
• widened the gap between the ends of the feather fork;
• made a high carriage assembly;
• extended the rigid fork.

Tighter wheel pressure has increased the maneuverability and controllability of the steering wheel. Both sides of the forks are gripping the wheel tightly on both sides. The increase in the roll-off time is achieved due to the larger diameter of the chassis. The speed is maintained with improved torque. Obstacles can be driven smoothly. Due to the larger area of ​​contact of the tire with the road, grip with the road surface is improved. This makes it easier to ride on muddy and slippery surfaces.

29x2.10 tire marking, but the actual diameter is 622 mm. The wheels are wider than other bicycles in its class, with tire widths ranging from 1.9-2.5 inches to provide reliable traction over uneven mountainous terrain. It can be denoted by a decimal fraction 29x2.4, or the usual 29x2 2/5. It is important to understand that tires with the same marking can be exactly the same.

The frame is the heart of cycling. She is responsible for the sensations during the trip. The Niner is taller and longer than other off-road bikes. Different materials are used for its manufacture.

• Steel frames quite heavy, rusts, cracks and breaks off during cold repairs. She also has dignity. She has a high margin of safety, and repairs are done by conventional welding. Microcracks from metal fatigue are easy to find on close inspection. This frame is not suitable for mountain bikes like niners.
• Chrome frame type - it is an iron-carbon alloy with additives, the total amount of which exceeds 10%. It is quite heavy, corrodes and becomes brittle when the temperature drops very sharply. The advantage is manifested in high elasticity and rigidity, which absorb minor vibration. It can be repaired by conventional welding. Bicycles with such frames are more expensive than aluminum ones, but they are ideal where the bike is the only possible means of transportation.
• Aluminum frames are the most popular among cyclists. Bicycles with such frames are quite cheap, but due to their lightness they break suddenly. It is possible to conditionally repair it. Not suitable for mountain bike production at all.
• Titanium frames very expensive but not repairable. Signs of metal fatigue are invisible, so they break unexpectedly. Cycling with such frames is a very good choice for extreme rides, if you choose from expensive models.
• Carbon. It is a carbon fiber reinforced plastic, which is a sheet of carbon fibers in a sheath of epoxy resins. Manufacturing technology is expensive, therefore the final product is also very expensive. The frame helps not to feel shaking, and microcracks on it are visible immediately. It does not rust, and the material itself is lightweight and highly durable. The suitability of frames from it for cyclists has not yet been proven.

When using the 29er in the rain, the cyclist needs to protect his face and body. Fenders mounted on the rims of the wheels help. They attach to the bottom of the suspension fork. The clamping device presses them closer to the tire. This provides splash protection.

For riders who ride the 29er, it is recommended to fit full size fenders. This model is provided with mounts for the installation of stationary fenders near the wheel axles. They are located on top of the fork and on the chain stays at the rear.

Many easily removable fenders are produced. Suitable for the front fender SKS Shockblade II... This is a two-piece mudguard for mountain bike forks. They put on the rear fender SKS X-Blade II. Fits any seatpost and adjusts optimally to the wheel. Two-point fastening technology. Guard for the lower tube of the frame SKS X-Board protects against splashes from the bottom of the front wheel.

If you do not want to install the wing on the front frame you can use the protection RapidRacerProducts Neoguard, Evil Eyes. This is an innovative solution for driving with dirt in the face. This deflector clears dirt with every fork compression and keeps the bike moving.

When the design was changed, the bike itself became heavier. It became more voluminous, which reduced maneuverability and deprived thrill-seekers to perform dexterous tricks.They overcome difficult trails better than bicycles without rear suspension, which are called hardtails. For girls and riders below 180 centimeters, it is quite difficult to control the niner, which has a lot of weight and size. Falling can cause serious injury.

The 29er has many advantages over other mountain bike models:

• agility, speed and comfort;
• reduced pressure on the soil;
• wide tires provide better grip;
• smooth ride;
• sharpened to overcome obstacles and bumps;
• stable when climbing a mountain;
• natural geometry in large sizes;
• increased roll-off duration.

With so many advantages, there are also disadvantages that should be considered when choosing this model:

• the bike is quite heavy, has a large weight of the frame, wheels and tires;
• people below 170 cm will find it difficult to ride;
• the parts are quite expensive and difficult to find;
• takes some time to accelerate from the spot;
• rather bulky and unwieldy;
• traumatic, therefore it is necessary to use protection;
• not suitable for jumping;
• additional efforts and their increased concentration are required for management;
• solid dimensions create storage problems.

There are many models of bicycles available for specific applications. The Niner is a mountain bike with a 622mm wheel rim. Such wheels are used on road, cyclocross, touring and hybrid wheels.

• Mountain. Most popular when cycling through an impassable area, called in different ways: MTB, ATB, mountain bike, hardtail, sixxter, niner. It has wide wheels with ribbed tires, and a rigid frame is mounted to strengthen the structure. SUVs are equipped with a suspension fork to help it stick to bumps along the way. They have a lot of speeds and have rim and disc brakes.

• Fat bike. Frame configuration and fit similar to a mountain bike. But it has thicker tires, which allows you to safely overcome sand dunes, snow drifts and mud layers. Good for recreational walks, as well as for sports runs on difficult trails.

• Shosser. Designed for road racing. Unlike the niner, it is lightweight, with narrow slicks and a ram-type steering wheel. Has an aerodynamic fit for long rides. Installation of fenders and trunk on this model is irrelevant. To race them, you need a track with good road surface.

• Cyclocross. It has an external resemblance to a highway, but adapted for a bike ride on difficult terrain, similar to a mountain bike. It can be used as a universal model, so the installation of fenders and a rack is possible. It is produced in the maximum light weight, because during the races it is often required to carry it on the back.

• Hybrid. The mid-silvery tread gives it stability on any road. It differs from mining in its lighter weight, has a high frame, a fork with a small stroke, a disc brake or V-brake. Cyclists hang on it, in addition to the wings, various accessories.

• Touring. Ideal model for good road surfaces. It has a ram steering wheel, which makes it look like a highway. The model is quite heavy compared to the lighter versions and is suitable for a long journey with luggage. Frames are made of steel, aluminum, chromol or titanium. For easy travel, a rigid steel fork and reliable wheels are installed. Equipped with powerful lighting technology.

There are not many companies that produce niners. RLet's take a look at the top of the four popular models of this SUV.

• Merida Big. Nine 70. The design of the presented model captivates cycling enthusiasts. It is good for terrain and urban runs. Adjustable spring rate dampens vibration in bumps. The wide 2.2 ”tires have good road contact.This model features Tektro Auriga hydraulic brakes, 30-speed SRAM X5 derailleurs and a Merida Pro SI-E comfort saddle.

• Scott Aspect 950. Made in Switzerland, this 29er is designed for park walks in rough terrain as well as in the city. A 100mm suspension fork dampens vibration from uneven road surfaces. The 24-speed transmission helps you tackle any grade without any problems with excellent roll-forward performance. This is the advantage of the oversized wheel.

• Cube Attention 29. The German brand has developed the reliable Shimano BR-M395 disc hydraulics. It makes it possible to brake without problems even on wet roads. The comfortable Scape Active 8 sports saddle and the ergonomic RFR (Ready for race) frame keep the rider comfortable on long rides. The wide Easton EA30 Lowriser Oversized handlebars provide a comfortable fit for precise handling.

• Cronus Soldier. Folding bike from the French company Cronus. This is the best model with 29-inch wheels for both off-road and city use. Thanks to its foldable design, it is easy to transport in transport. The model was inspired by the Paratrooper bikes designed for the Marines. Hence the name Soldier. The transformer weighs like an ordinary 29er and is equipped with decent ammunition. The price is quite compatible with the price category of such awkward brothers. It is easy to operate, and the foldable parts mesh tightly into a one-piece frame.

Before buying a bicycle, it is advisable to decide what it is for and what road surfaces it will ride on. For travel comfort, you need to take into account some design features.

• Seat height. The high seating position and the inability to adjust the seat to your height suggests the need to choose a different size of the bike.
• Distance between seat and handlebars. Sitting on the 29er, you need to easily, without experiencing discomfort, reach them with your hands. The elbows should be bent.
• Price. The cost is much higher than bicycles of other modifications. A good 29er costs from 25,000 rubles.

Check out the next video for more information on the myths and unique virtues of niners.