montclairbobbyb
Member
Anyone seen a fair comparison of the Niner vs Dos Niner? I realize it's almost like comparing apples to oranges, but both do have a certain springiness, if not by different mechanisms... the Niner by virtue of its geometry and steel frame; the Dos Niner by the scandium/alum flexible chainstay and Relish shock.
Each one (alone) gets great reviews on MTBR... but haven't seen a head-to-head comparison. I'm looking to build up a nice (reasonably light) geared 29er for XC riding.
First, I am a fairly big boy, at 6'1" 225 lbs... and I have already ridden a 2006 Dos Niner (in Moab and Fruita), and really liked it, but it was my first time on a 29er, and I wasn't so used to the bike, so it didn't leave me quite with the impression that this was THE frame to get...maybe I need to give the (improved) '08 model a try.
I've been riding a Salsa Ala Carte (26er, which I absolutely LOVE, but it's really too small), and a fully rigid Karate Monkey 29er SS (which I also love)... so admittedly I have a slight bias towards steel hardtails. I'm not as big a fan of aluminum (and I've owned several). To me the Dos Niner appears to be first an aluminum frame, with a light mix of scandium thrown in for durability... whether that greatly changes the ride characteristics or not... I wasn't quite convinced with the one I rode... but maybe I need to give it another try.
I am a big fan of steel these days, and if Salsa made a 29er Ala Carte, I would look no further... (I've considered the El Mariachi, but I really don't want the EBB.) The Niner MCR (at least on paper) looks like it might be close to what I'm looking for.
Advice and impressions are much-appreciated. Thanks.
Peace,
MontclairBobbyB
Each one (alone) gets great reviews on MTBR... but haven't seen a head-to-head comparison. I'm looking to build up a nice (reasonably light) geared 29er for XC riding.
First, I am a fairly big boy, at 6'1" 225 lbs... and I have already ridden a 2006 Dos Niner (in Moab and Fruita), and really liked it, but it was my first time on a 29er, and I wasn't so used to the bike, so it didn't leave me quite with the impression that this was THE frame to get...maybe I need to give the (improved) '08 model a try.
I've been riding a Salsa Ala Carte (26er, which I absolutely LOVE, but it's really too small), and a fully rigid Karate Monkey 29er SS (which I also love)... so admittedly I have a slight bias towards steel hardtails. I'm not as big a fan of aluminum (and I've owned several). To me the Dos Niner appears to be first an aluminum frame, with a light mix of scandium thrown in for durability... whether that greatly changes the ride characteristics or not... I wasn't quite convinced with the one I rode... but maybe I need to give it another try.
I am a big fan of steel these days, and if Salsa made a 29er Ala Carte, I would look no further... (I've considered the El Mariachi, but I really don't want the EBB.) The Niner MCR (at least on paper) looks like it might be close to what I'm looking for.
Advice and impressions are much-appreciated. Thanks.
Peace,
MontclairBobbyB