Wanting to buy my first mtb and am curious about these two bikes. Roughly the same price ($1000 for the Kona, $1200 for the Niner). The Kona has lots of upgrades for being an older bike and I know I’d like the full suspension, but it may be too much bike for what I’d realistically be riding. The Niner seems like a lot of fun and would be the right amount of bike for most situations. Don’t love the silver, but I can get over that.
https://www.ninerbikes.com/air-9/
What should I get? Is there a secret third option that’s in the $1000-$1400 range that I’m missing?
Thanks!
by cmw427
4 Comments
Two completely different bikes. Gonna depend on what you’re going to do with it.
If you’re looking to go on fire, gravel and dirt paths and roads only… a hard tail will do that no problem.
If you’re gonna do anything more intense than the involving obstacles and downhill descents requiring more squish, get the FS.
Account for skill increase over time and make a decision. Always test ride bikes… really makes a difference too
I owned the 2016 process 134 (in a L!). It’s not too much bike for anything, other than gravel riding. Probably the biggest issue is that the suspension is kind of flexy/rickety, so in lots of really rough chunk (bike park/enduro) it can get a bit overwhelmed.
Otherwise, it’s a great trail bike.
That Kona might be ok but I probably wouldn’t pay $1000 for it. If you’re going to buy it, be sure to test ride it and make sure everything is in as good of condition as they advertise. Also, if you’re thinking it might be too much bike and not exactly what you want, you could always pass and wait for something better to come along. I’m not sure what your budget it is but it’s definitely worth it to get what you want the first time than be disappointed later.
Personally, I wouldn’t even consider a hardtail if you’re going to do true mountain biking on the bike.
That 134 is sick as hell. Point me towards it if you don’t want it.