OK, finally got my first ride in on the N9, Warm Springs to the Traverse to River Run, in Sun Valley. On the climb, I did a lot of turning around to ride back to my wife, so I'm not entirely sure how much I actually climbed.
This is, as Ruy pointed out, a very different animal than I'm used to. The front came up almost automatically over roots, water bars, rocks, small children... Direction changes were easy peasy as well. Traction, even in loose, dusty conditions, while stqanding on the steeps? In spades. Honestly, based on how well this bike climbs, I was a bit worried about how I'd fare on the descents. Now, I recently broke my clavicle, and at 40 am not nearly as likely to open 'er up as I used to. The N9 felt like it wanted to go a lot faster that I was comfortable with. The descent was used at Nationals, and was really torn up, super loose and dusty. Ruts were lofted over; tight, blown out switchbacks were handled confidently; speed was, well, speedy.
The only issues I had were heel contact with the chainstays, which I only had at the beginning of the ride, and the slightly more direct impact through the rear wheel. Not harsh like the Rig was, but definitely felt it more than the Unit. May have to go with a bigger rear tire...
Just got back from another ride, and feel really comfortable on the bike now. Still occasionally hit the stays with my right heel, but got into a groove where it didn't,t feel harsh today. Downhills were not as dusty and loose, log overs were downright easy. I love the wasy this bike feels on the descents! The climb back to the car was a tough one, but much easier than on the Unit the last time, even with tired legs from yesterday. All in all, I'm very pleased with the Nimble 9, and am looking forward to many miles on it.
Towards the beginning of the climb: