Anyone local have a Salsa Dos Niner, preferably in a Large, that I could test ride. I'm riding a Niner EMD 1x9 right now, and although I LOVE Niner, I'm considering a cost effective full suspension frame. The Niner Jet 9 is just expensive from frame and headset. Really want to try the Dos Niner. If you do, please shoot me an email at agrant_39157@yahoo.com and we can talk more. I mainly want to make sure that 1" of rear travel is going to be enough for the way I ride.

Thanks

I ride a size XL and I've ridden it a lot. I believe that Buck threw some bucks at a couple and broke a couple, then moved on. I have some dings in mine but it's still enjoyable and a fast race bike.

One thing though: it's not a full-suspension bike. A softtail with 1" of travel rides more like a hardtail with some relief from all the little hits. It also has a little bit better traction uphill (something a suspension seatpost won't give you).

I think it's a great frame for the price. Some competitors would be the Moots YBB 29 and Siren Song 29er. Those are both about 3x the cost.

If you want something really pimp, check out the Funk Cycles La Ruta.

To learn I did a quick google, and from my search it does not look like that frame has a pivot, So do the chain stays flex where they meet the bottom bracket? If so what is the fatigue failure rate? Its an interesting idea, but the idea of a controlled flex like a leaf spring on a car.

Yes, you just defined what a softtail is! It's not so unorthodox in fact. The Cannondale Scalpel has carbon fiber flexible chainstays and is one of the winningest race bikes in history. If only they'd make a 29er version.

The progressive travel of a softtail is one of its best qualities. It just naturally gets firmer the further down the travel you get, vs. a full-suspension bike which needs engineering and a good shock to do the same.

There are "pseudo-softtails" out now like the Salsa Mamasita, Cannondale Flash, and even Specialized Roubaix road bike that have flexible carbon fiber chainstays and seatstays, but no shock.

The Dos Niner is not the most durable frame, it's made of scandium-aluminum and the tubing is very thin and prone to dents. However, Salsa is a good company to deal with on warranty issues, the price is excellent, and at less than 4.5 pounds, it can be built up very light.

Thanks for the info. I'm glad you mentioned the issue of it being a soft tail with 1" of travel. That's one thing that has me concerned, its just not going to be a full suspension bike. I understand the cost effectiveness of the frame, but a co-worker as the Big Mama and loves it. Its a full 100 mm suspension.

I've done some more research in the mean time as well, and more than likely, I'll either stay with the hardtail or go 3-4" travel. Thanks again for the info.

Buck was actually riding a one-off Balsa Dos-Niner.

I came close to buying a Voodoo Canzo 29er full suspension frame last year before I bought the carbon hardtail. 4" travel, 6.5 lb. frame for $779.

The 2011 Giant Anthem 29er FS looks to be a good one coming soon also.

Yeah, I've looked at the Voodo Canzo as well. A co-worker of mine was looking at it before he got his Big Mama. I check it out again. I will definately keep my Niner EMD...it really does ride good...but my goal is to add a full suspension to the stable as well...just needs to be cost effective.

Thanks to everyone...