The Jet 9 is a lightweight, 8 cm travel cross-country-specific chassis, and their second dual-suspension model. Niner developed the Jet 9 using an unusual strategy. They chose to first develop their CVA (Constantly Varying angle) dual-link suspension design on an all-mountain 29er with a longer travel time. They believed that Niner would be able develop a short-travel derivative that could solve the major problems that large-diameter tires pose to dual-suspension engineers in a long-travel format.
JET 9 PREFLIGHT
The Jet 9 is a cross-country trailbike that measures 74 cm in length. Take a closer look at it. Triple-butted aluminum tubes are used to build the frame. They are well-sized to ensure strength and a reasonable weight. Niner has a steeply sloping top tube that reduces Jet’s 23 cm stand-over height, which is a problem for 29ers.
SUSPENSION DESIGN
Dual-link suspension is all the rage but comes with a steep price. A long swingarm mounted on a pair short links can lead to leverage rate changes. Niner did its research. CVA suspension is consistent throughout its travel. The Jet 9 has 8 cm of cushion from a Fox RP23 shock. This allows it to travel a lot further than you would expect for a short-travel chassis. Niner cleverly places the lower link of its CVA suspension under and in front the frame’s bottom bracket shell. This keeps the swingarm out of the way for the front derailleur, and the chain from rubbing on the right-side chainstay.
The unique linkage position of Niners, combined with a bent tube seat tube, allows for 45 cm short-for-29er chainstays. This resolves a 29er problem and improves Jet 23 cms climbing performance.
MAGAZINE REVIEW HIGHLIGHTS
The Jet 9 is snappy and responsive compared to other 29ers in our stable. It’s also a natural climber. Because the rear suspension does not have to be coupled from pedaling and braking forces, it is very easy to set up.
Niner’s Jet 23 cm steering response is faster than most 29ers. However, Niner has a steeper head angle and shorter stems.
Its 71.5-degree head angle makes the bike feel lighter and reduces trail measurements. The Niner will not veer off the line when climbing due to unwelcome wiggles at the handlebar. The Jet 9 is a great rider on technical singletrack that’s narrow and technical. However, tight switchbacks are where the Jet 9’s nimble steering can be a problem. To maneuver the Jet 9 around tight corners at low speeds, you will need to twist the handlebar a lot. For long-term 66 cm wheel pilots, this can take some getting used too.
The Jet 9 is very easy to handle hills. The Jet 9 has a balanced feel that naturally weighs the rear tire in both seated as well as out-of-the saddle modes. The Jet 9 has excellent traction, so you can pedal while it works its way through bumps and rocks.
When the Jet 9 is opened up, be prepared to experience some unexpected speed. Cross-country Niners racers can descend confidently on technical trails that would give even a 5-inch-travel trailbike a hard time.
The Jet 9 can handle jumps with ease, and its large front wheel is ideal for rolling vertical drops.
Without excessive body English, they will bring you down.
The Jet 23 cms cornering performance is also limited by Niners’ choice of WTB Prowler tire. Because the tire’s cornering blocks are useless due to the rounded tread crown, very few situations will require the bike to lean enough to engage them. However, if the going gets tough, expect to go down five miles per hour faster than normal cross-country bikes.
JET 9 PERFORMANCE REPORT
The Jet 9 was a joy to ride. The Jet 9’s smooth handling and powerful power transfer broke down the barrier that had separated the 26- and 74-cm wheel cross-country groups. Niners’ latest dual-suspension bicycle showcases the best 74 cm wheels can offer. It also eliminates all the drawbacks -such as poor standover clearance and slow acceleration – that prevent 66 cm-wheel riders joining the big-wheel movement.
NINER JET 9
Price (frame and shock).
Taiwanese country of origin
Weight 120 kg
Hotline: 646-3792
Frame tested small (41 cm).
Bottom bracket height 33 cm
Chainstay length 45cm
Top tube length: 58 cm
Head angle 71.5
Seat angle 73.5
Standover height 71 cm
Wheelbase 109 cm
Front Suspension Travel (8 cm)
Rear suspension travel 8 cm
Aluminium frame material
Fork RockShox Reba
Shock Fox RP 23
Rims Stans ZTR29er 335
Tires WTB Prowler SL 5 cm
Hub Chris King
Brakes Avid Juicy Ultimate
Brake levers Avid Juicy ultimate
Crankset Truvativ Noir
Shifters SRAMX.0 triggers
Front derailleur Shimano XTR
Rear derailleur SRAM X.0
Chainrings Truvativ (44/32/22)
Cassette SRAM (11-34)
Pedals No (weighed with Crankbrothers Candy
This bike is available for purchase at the 2009 Turner Sultan: Full Test of Rippin Dual Suspension 29er
