SIR 9 versus ONE 9

[Kris W. Jones]

So, I'm trying to decide between the two. Doubt I will ever race, and this is a second bike to my RIP 9. I want the option if I hate SS I can go geared. I know the knew ONE 9 can go geared, but I hear it is via zip ties. That doesn't seem to me to be terribly aesthetically appealing.

Also ther is an outside chance I'd go custom. Like the Cysco bikes, and bikes by Stickel, also like Naked bikes.

Thoughts. And does anyone else have such a difficult time deciding on a bike?

[rsutton1223]

I love Niner Bikes but I have never ridden a better 29er than a byStickel. His build and ride quality are outstanding. If you are even thinking about going that route...I would.

When it comes to running SS or 1x10 29ers, if you are not going to race, I would run steel. While it is a little bit heavier than aluminum, it takes the edge off and saves your back over the long haul. There really is something to the whole "steal is real" mentality. The way steal interacts with the trail is incredible for a hard tail.

So I would go with the SIR if you are not going to hit up Steve Stickel.

[Kris W. Jones]

Rob, didn't I see something either on the site or the forums with a review or write up on Stickel bikes? I'm sure I found out about his bikes from here.

So his bikes really are that amazing?

I really like the idea of a bike frame completely made on US soil and by an individual.

[rsutton1223]

Rob, didn't I see something either on the site or the forums with a review or write up on Stickel bikes? I'm sure I found out about his bikes from here.

So his bikes really are that amazing?

I really like the idea of a bike frame completely made on US soil and by an individual.

We have talked about him before on Bike198 --> ByStickel - Custom Made Steel Frames

He is also an Asheville, NC local that we ride with when we are in the area. I have never seen anyone ride a 29er HT like he does. His riding backs up his quality frames. We also have a friend that has purchased several frames off of him that I have ridden personally. Arguably the best steal 29er I have ridden to date and several others agree.

[Bigred15]

If you don't go custom, I would go with the SIR 9. Especially now that they have gone away from the Scandium frames. In addition to being lighter, Scandium also has some vibration dampening and compliance qualities over most aluminum alloys. While not to the level of steel, it was enough to take the edge off. The new One 9/Air 9 frames are made of 6061 aluminum allow and will not have the same give. Part of the reason that aluminum is so harsh is that it is very brittle. This negatively effects the life of the metal.

Steel however, dampens vibration and flexes when impacted. This is why it rides so smooth. The ability of steel to flex, deflect and return to its original form is what makes it so strong. New air hardened allows, like Reynolds 853, use a mix of chromium to prevent premature rusting. This extends the life of the frame. A good steel frame will last almost as long as a titanium frame. The penalty you pay is a weight penalty. About 1.4 pounds on a Medium SIR 9 over a One 9.

As far as the Zip ties go, not only would it not look good, but I can't imagine that it would shift very well either. I could be wron on that though.

Custom bikes now. I have no experience with Stickel or Naked so I can't speak about them. I can speak about Cysco though since several members of my race team ride one and I am building one. Without going too in depth, Richie used to work for Lynskey, the people that started Litespeed all those years ago. When they decided to start Lynskey Bikes, he was one of the people that built frames for them. He also happens to be the ONLY person that Lynskey allows to used their patented twisted tubes. He is based out of Ooltewah, TN. Not sure about the other guys wait times, but his is currently 4-6 weeks.

cyscocycles.com | Custom Steel Bicycles. Built one at a time in Tennessee.

[Kris W. Jones]

Thanks, Rob and Bigred. I'll start looking at the two and if I don't go custom it looks like it'll be a SIR 9. The custom route seems really appealing.

The bike you are building looks awesome Bigred, can't wait to see painted pics.