2013 SIR 9 vs Earlier models

[AGrant]

I had an earlier SIR9 with set screws. I LOVED the sweet way it rode, but HATED the noisy creaky EBB. Sold it and bought an El Mar and HATED to way it rode. Way too stiff in the rear as compared to the SIR9. I was running them both SS.

So, I want another SIR9. How does the ride quality of the new re-designed frame compare to the sweet smooth as silk ride quality of the older SIR9 frames?

I don't want to plunk down a grand on a new steel frame and be disappointed that its not as smooth as earlier ones.

And, no, I don't have a local dealer to go ride one. I would have to drive minimum 4 hours to do so.

Thanks.

[BigwheelsRbest]

Substitute your "El Mar" for my "Lynskey" and I could have said exactly the same thing as you.

Dying to know the answer to your question - who has ridden both old and new SIR9's???

[BigwheelsRbest]

I can't believe we're not getting any opinions on the difference in ride between the old and new SIR9 frames! Anyone?

[trevrev97]

I have had them both and ridden them both with in the last year. The new design is superior by far, from the over sized down tube, 44mm head tube, new rear brake location and the 12mm rear axle. I havent touched my A9C since I built my SIR up. I really liked the old model but the new one rides less like a comfy steel frame and more like a comfy race frame. Granted I am 6'4" 185 LB and ride SS, I really notice the added rigidity.

[Red Voodoo]

I rarely post but since u have a question I have an answer for I am now. I had a 2010, 2011 and now a 2013 sir 9. I replaced the 2010 with the 2011 because of ebb creak, then had to replace 2011 this year because of a crack at the rear dropout. The new bike is a little different than the 2010/11 (same frame both years) but mostly for better. I add that I never had set screw bike, so I can't comment on the model you had. The 2013 has some good things like the maxle and larger head tube. This makes for better downhill. As to climbing, I think it is on par, maybe doesn't climb quite as well but that may have to do as much with me not riding as much this year and also that I prob need to cut my stem down just a little but more. Bike rides just as smooth as before. Specs say it is slightly heavier, but that translates to thoughts in your head and not reality--or in other words dont worry about weight. The new bike doesn't creak (but had to use oateys pipe joint compound to take care of such). I ride ss with their steel fork, it's my only bike and I love it. Ride hilly tech terrain. It is a little less springy/twitchy which is good. I think you will find it a better balanced ride, tracks a little better.

[BigwheelsRbest]

I'm thinking from the comments the new frame may be a little less compliant than the old one (and therefore be a harsher ride) -

"less springy..."
"I really noticed the added rigidity"
"more like a comfy race frame"

[Red Voodoo]

I'm thinking from the comments the new frame may be a little less compliant than the old one (and therefore be a harsher ride) -

"less springy..."
"I really noticed the added rigidity"
"more like a comfy race frame"

Nope...it is not a harsher ride, as a matter of fact, it probably DH's better than the earlier frame....that's what nice with the new ride.

[BigwheelsRbest]

Anyone know what the new color choice will be on the SIR9s?
Also - any further design changes? (I wouldn't expect any following the design overhaul a year ago...)

[phsycle]

Curious also if they are going to add more colors than white and red. Wish they could get the weight down a bit more as well...

[BigwheelsRbest]

Curious also if they are going to add more colors than white and red. Wish they could get the weight down a bit more as well...

Yeah - the white and red is a bit limiting. I'd love to see a silver/grey colour again - the Moondust grey was cool.

I haven't ridden one yet, but the way other frames are going the manufacturers are tending to make them stronger (beefier) in order to reduce breakages / warranty replacements (and potential injuries I guess) so I suspect it's not as comfortable or compliant as the older version, and I also suspect the weight won't be coming down - going up more like!

I can give an example of this with the 2013 Lynskey Ridgeline 29SL I ride - it's so stiff and tough / beefy that it has very little of the traditional Ti compliance and springiness the same frame had 3 or 4 years ago. Yes it's probably all-mountain tough, but it makes for an uncomfortable ride...

[Redball409]

Anyone know what the new color choice will be on the SIR9s?
Also - any further design changes? (I wouldn't expect any following the design overhaul a year ago...)

do you know when the new Sirs will be out? Specifically different color choice?
Thank you.

[takisawa2]

Not tried the new one, but my older (non set-screw) model is simply sublime. So comfy. I'd happily ride it forever.

[AGrant]

Thanks for all the comments. I've actually been contemplating all summer long and finally found a root beer frame of the older model without set screws. Its used but it great shape. Its being shipped now. Can't wait to get it!

Thanks again for all the input. I'll post some pics and ride report after I get it.

[SSATL77]

I got a quick ride in tonight on my moon dust sir9... Probably my overall favorite bike in the stable.

[peterv]

anyone know, has niner bikes ever considered making the
sir9 or mcr in an extra-small size frame, like they've done
with the newer emd?
maybe niner bikes could respond .....

[cycljunkie]

My 2014 SIR 9 frame will arrive tomorrow and the building will commence. Excited to be going back to SS!

[BigwheelsRbest]

My 2014 SIR 9 frame will arrive tomorrow and the building will commence. Excited to be going back to SS!

Pics!!

[cycljunkie]

Brown Santa delivered some goodness today. Still waiting on fork and a few other items to arrive. Very excited about this build. Haven't been on an SS in quite a while. Glad to be getting back to basics!

It has arrived!


Reminds me of how they package some of my kid's toys!


Gonna be stiff!


White wheels, white fork, white saddle... Too much white?

[cycljunkie]

From Nov. 2007!

[swan lee]

White bikes are cool. You're going to need white grips with that lot, and never to ride in mud ;-)

[cycljunkie]

White bikes are cool. You're going to need white grips with that lot, and never to ride in mud ;-)

White ESI Chunky grips and Niner Flat Top bars on the way!

[cycljunkie]

Forgot how easy it was to setup a SS drivetrain!


Surly 21t in back...


Chromag 34t up front...

[have2ride2day]

Forgot how easy it was to setup a SS drivetrain!

It always amazes me how fast they go together. No setting der limits, running der cables, der tuning, etc...

[cycljunkie]

Had an extremely tough time mounting my rear caliper. It seems that the rear post holes didn't quite line up with my Elixer X.0 caliper holes. When I would try to tighten one of the Torx bolts, the threads would catch the inside of the caliper hole and cause the entire caliper body to move, making it difficult to align. I've had this happen before with other frames/brakes but this setup was really tough! I think what I'll do is take a file to the caliper body holes and add some space so the caliper body can move more freely around the Torx bolts. Anyone else experience this? Any other suggestions?

[cycljunkie]

For anyone interested, a thin file did the trick! I also switched from torx to hex, which made it easier to install. I got my torque wrench on the front bolt but the wrench was too bulky to get to the back one. Just waiting for my fork to arrive and I'm going riding!!!