The Jet 9 is a lightweight, 3.1-inch travel cross-country-specific chassis, and their second dual-suspension model. Niner used an interesting strategy to develop the Jet 9, choosing to work out its CVA (Constantly Varying Angle) dual-link suspension design on a longer-travel, all-mountain 29er first. Their reasoning was that if Niner could address the major issues that large-diameter wheels pose to dual-suspension designers in a long-travel format, then they would be able to develop a nearly perfect short-travel derivative for racing and cross-country customers.
JET 9 PREFLIGHT Take a close look at the Jet 9, because it contains all of the elements that make up a competitive 29-inch cross-country trailbike. The frame is well constructed from triple-butted aluminum tubes that are realistically sized to provide adequate strength and to keep a close watch on its weight. Niner uses a dramatically sloping top tube to minimize the Jet 9’s stand-over height—a nagging problem for 29ers.
SUSPENSION DESIGN Dual-link suspension is the rage, but it comes at a price. The problem with rocking a long swingarm on a pair of short links is that short linkage arms are prone to nasty leverage rate changes as the suspension arcs through its travel. Niner did its homework. The CVA suspension feels consistent through its travel. Armed with only the 3.1 inches of cushion available from a standard Fox RP23 shock, the Jet 9 manages to level a lot more trail than one would expect from a short-travel chassis. Niner cleverly tucks the lower link of its CVA suspension below and in front of the frame’s bottom bracket shell. This moves the swingarm well out of the way of the front derailleur and keeps the chain from banging on the right-side chainstay. Niner’s unique linkage placement, in conjunction with a bent seat tube, makes room for short-for-29er 17.75-inch chainstays. This solves one 29er issue and boosts the Jet 9’s climbing performance.
MAGAZINE REVIEW HIGHLIGHTS - From the outset, the Jet 9 feels snappy compared to other 29ers we’ve had in our stable—and it is a natural climber. Its suspension is easy to set up because the rear suspension is uncoupled from braking and pedaling forces.
Steering is notoriously slow for most 29ers, but Niner uses steeper head angles and short stems to speed up the Jet 9’s steering response.
-Its 71.5-degree head angle reduces the bike’s trail measurement and lightens its feel. A secondary benefit is that unwanted wiggle at the handlebar does not cause the Niner to veer off line while climbing. This makes the Jet 9 an easy rider on narrow, technical singletrack. But the shadow side of its nimble-feeling steering becomes apparent when tackling tight switchbacks. You’ll need to twist the handlebar quite a ways to get the Jet 9 around a tight, low-speed corner. This takes some getting used to for long-time 26-inch wheel pilots.
- Hills are quite effortless aboard the Jet 9. It has a balanced feel, which naturally weights the rear tire in both seated and out-of-the-saddle modes. Traction seems abundant, and you can concentrate exclusively on pedaling while the Jet 9 works its way over the bumps and rocks.
- Be prepared for some unexpected speed when the time comes to open up the Jet 9. Niner’s cross-country racer can descend with confidence on technical trails that would give a five-inch-travel trailbike a good thrashing.
The Jet 9 handles jumps without fanfare, and if you need to roll a vertical drop, its big front wheel will get you down without excessive body English.
- Niner’s choice of WTB Prowler tires also limits the Jet 9’s ultimate cornering performance. The rounded tread crown renders the tire’s cornering blocks useless, because few if any situations require enough lean to get the bike low enough to engage them. That said, when the going gets rough, be ready to descend up to five miles an hour faster than a “normal” cross-country bike is capable of.
JET 9 PERFORMANCE REPORT Riding the Jet 9 was an unexpected pleasure. Its easy handling and efficient power transfer break the boundary that has long separated 26- and 29-inch wheel cross-country camps. Niner’s latest dual-suspension bike showcases the best that 29-inch wheels have to offer and erases all the drawbacks—like poor standover clearance, lackluster acceleration and the slow steering—that keep 26-inch-wheel riders from joining the big-wheel movement.
I am living in Vzla, but I woul like to buy it..I dont understand...the price is frame and shock only???.. It is my first time in this page, How Can I buy it?? my apologize
