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

Such a healthy lifestyle that is fashionable today involves not only proper nutrition, but also physical activity. More and more people prefer cycling. There are extreme lovers who like to travel through the highlands. This requires mountain bikes, which are called off-road bikes.

Niner, aka Tu-Niner, means a bike for riding on hilly or mountainous terrain. The diameter of its wheels was increased to 622 mm, which corresponds to 29 inches. Such wheels evoke different emotions among fans of cycling. Because of them, envious people consider it a two-wheeled vehicle for clowns and the elderly. Despite criticism, its popularity is constantly growing.

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

• increased feather length to 431 mm;
• widened the gap between the ends of the pen forks;
• made a high carriage unit;
• lengthened the rigid fork.

A denser wheel clamp reinforced the maneuverability and obedience of the steering wheel. Both sides of the fork clamped the wheel tightly on both sides. The increase in run-up time is achieved due to the larger diameter of the chassis. Speed ​​is held by improved torque. Obstacles can be driven smoothly. Due to the larger contact area of ​​the tire with the road, the adhesion to the roadway improves. This makes it easier to ride on a dirty and slippery surface.

The marking of the Niner tire is 29x2.10, but the actual diameter is 622 mm. The wheels are wider than other bikes of this class - the tire width ranges from 1.9 to 2.5 inches to ensure reliable grip with bumps in mountainous terrain. It can be denoted by the decimal fraction 29x2.4, or the usual 29x2 2/5. It is important to understand that tires with the same markings can be exactly the same.

The frame is the heart of cycling. She is responsible for the sensations during the trip. Niner has it higher and longer than other off-road bikes. For its manufacture using different materials.

• Steel frames rather heavy, rust, crack and break off during cold repair. She also has advantages. She has a high margin of safety, and repairs are done by conventional welding. Microcracks from metal fatigue are easy to find with a thorough inspection. Such a frame is not suitable for mountain bicycles, which include miners.
• Chromol type frame - it is an iron-carbon alloy with additives, the total amount of which exceeds 10%. It is quite heavy, corrodes and becomes more fragile with a very sharp drop in temperature. The advantage is manifested in high elasticity and rigidity, which absorb a slight vibration. It can be repaired by conventional welding. Bicycles with such frames are more expensive than aluminum, but they are ideal where the bike is the only possible means of transportation.
• Aluminum frames are the most popular among cycling enthusiasts. Bicycles with such frames are quite cheap, but due to their lightness they break suddenly. It is possible to conditionally repair it. Absolutely not suitable for the production of mountain bikes.
• Titanium Frames very expensive, but not repairable. Signs of metal fatigue are invisible, so they break unexpectedly. Bicycle transport with such frames is a very good choice for extreme trips, if you choose from expensive models.
• Carbon This is a carbon fiber, which is a cloth of carbon fibers in a sheath of epoxy resins. Manufacturing technology is expensive, so the final product is also very expensive. The frame helps not to feel the shaking, and microcracks on it are immediately visible. It does not rust, and the material itself is light and high strength. The suitability of the frames from it for bicycle riders has not yet been proven.

When using the liner in the rain, the cyclist needs to protect his face and body. The wings mounted on the rims of the wheels help. They are attached to the suspension fork from below. The clamping device presses them denser to the tire. This provides splash protection.

Riders who ride the Niner are advised to install full-sized wings. This model provides mounts for installing stationary wings near the wheel axles. They are located on top of the fork and on the upper feathers of the frame at the rear.

They produce many easily removable wings. For front wing fit SKS Shockblade II. This is a two-component wing for mounting on a mountain bike fork. They put on the rear wing SKS X-Blade II. Suitable for any seatpost and optimally adjusted for the wheel. Two-point mounting technology. Shield on the bottom 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 can use protection RapidRacerProducts Neoguard, Evil Eyes. This is an innovative solution when driving when dirt flies in the face. This visor flushes dirt off every compression of the fork and keeps the bike mobile.

When changing the design, the bike itself became heavier. It became more voluminous, which reduced maneuverability and deprived thrill-seekers of performing agile tricks.They overcome difficult tracks better than bicycles that do not have a rear suspension, which are called hardtail. It’s quite difficult for girls and riders below 180 centimeters to control a miner that has a lot of weight and size. Serious injuries can occur if dropped.

Niner has many advantages over other mountain bike models:

• maneuverability, speed and comfort;
• reduced pressure on the soil;
• wide tires provide better grip;
• smooth ride;
• imprisoned to overcome obstacles and bumps;
• stable when climbing a mountain;
• natural geometry in large sizes;
• increased run time.

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 be difficult to ride;
• spare parts are quite expensive and difficult to find;
• it takes some time from the place to disperse;
• rather bulky and slow;
• traumatic, therefore it is necessary to use protection;
• not suitable for jumping;
• management requires additional efforts and their increased concentration;
• Solid dimensions create problems for storage.

There are many bike models for use in certain conditions. Niner is a mountain bike with a 622 mm wheel rim. Such wheels are put on the road, cyclocross, touring and hybrid.

• Mountain. Most demanded during impassable mountain bike tours, called in a different way: MTB, ATB, mountain bike, hardtail, sikster, niner. It has wide wheels with ribbed tires, and a rigid frame is mounted to strengthen the structure. Off-road vehicles are equipped with a shock-absorbing fork, helping it to stick to irregularities in the path. They have many speeds and rim and disc brakes.

• Fat bike. The frame configuration and landing is similar to a mountain bike. But it has thicker tires, which allows you to calmly overcome sand dunes, snow drifts and mud deposits. Good for pleasure walks, as well as for sports runs along impassable trails.

• Shosser. Designed for road racing. Unlike the liner, it is lightweight with narrow slick tires and a ram-type steering wheel. It has an aerodynamic fit, which contributes to a long ride. Installing wings and trunk on this model is irrelevant. For racing, they need a track with a good road surface.

• Cyclocross. It has an external resemblance to a highway driver, but is adapted for a bike ride through hard-to-reach terrain similar to a mountain bike. It can be used as a universal model, so it is possible to mount the wings and trunk. Available in maximum lightweight, because during the race often requires a segment of the path to carry it on your back.

• Hybrid. Medium silver tread gives it stability on any road. It differs from the mountain in a lower weight, has a high frame, a fork with a small stroke, a disc brake or V-brake. Cyclists hang on him, in addition to wings, various accessories.

• Touring An ideal model for a good road surface. Has a steering wheel ram, which gives it a resemblance to the shoser. The model is quite heavy in comparison with lightweight modifications and is suitable for a long journey with luggage. Frames are made of steel, aluminum, chromol or titanium. For easy operation, a rigid steel fork and reliable wheels are installed. Equipped with powerful lighting.

There are few companies producing miners. RConsider 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 running on a relief landscape and in urban environments. Adjustable spring stiffness dampens vibration on potholes. Wide 2.2-inch tires work well with the roadway.This model is equipped with a Tektro Auriga hydraulic brake system, 30-speed SRAM X5 switches and a comfortable Merida Pro SI-E saddle.

• Scott Aspect 950. This liner, created in Switzerland, is designed for park walks in uneven landscapes and in the city. A 100 mm shock absorber smoothes out vibration from roughnesses in the road. 24-speed transmission helps to overcome any climb without problems, having an excellent rollback. This is the advantage of a larger wheel.

• Cube Attention 29. A brand from Germany 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 saddle and ergonomic RFR (Ready for race) frame keep the rider comfortable for long trips. The Easton EA30 Lowriser Oversized wide steering wheel provides a comfortable fit for precise vehicle handling.

• Cronus Soldier. Folding bike from the French company Cronus. This is the best model with 29-inch wheels for off-road and for the city. Thanks to the folding design, it is easy to transport in transport. The prototype was Paratrooper bikes designed for the Marines. Hence the name Soldier. The transformer weighs like an ordinary liner 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 folding parts tightly coupled into a single frame.

Before buying a bike, it is advisable to decide what it is for and what road surfaces it will ride on. For travel comfort, some design features must be considered.

• Seat height. High landing and the lack of ability to adjust the seat to your height indicates the need to choose a different bike size.
• The distance between the seat and the handlebars. Sitting on the Niner, you need to easily reach them with your hands, without any discomfort. The elbows should be bent.
• Price. The cost is much higher than bikes of other modifications. A good miner costs from 25,000 rubles.

In the next video you will find additional information about the myths and unique virtues of miners.