How are Niners Made?

Read on for a glimpse behind the scenes. The process starts as dream bike conjuring by one of our engineers, who draws out the bike, then moves to a 3D computer model. These models can be manipulated, tweaked, and tested in pixel form before ever seeing the light of day.

When satisfied, the designer moves on to a real prototype with in-house R&D capability. Our ability to build and test prototypes in-house gives us a real edge. We can quickly identify areas of improvement or optimization. And we can take our models from the test bench out to the trails behind the office for immediate benchmarking.

Test Mules

Before we send a bike to production, we produce a small number of alloy, carbon, and 3D-printed frames. These frames get tested and ridden into the ground because we want to verify the precision, geometry, and quality of each of our bikes.

Torsional Load Simulation Device

This is our torsional test device. We place weights on a series of linkages attached to a dummy crank arm to simulate rider pedal forces. We do this to determine overall frame stiffness through lateral deflection.

Alignment Table

We take the smallest measurements (up to one-hundredth of a millimetre) of our frames both pre and post-production to ensure the quality of our products. If we find any errors, we go straight back to the factory to get it fixed.

Frame Drop Test

As offroad cycling is inherently bumpy, we drop test every frame as part of the testing process. It must comply with safety standards and pass rigorous tests before going into production.

Ultimate Strength Test

The frame is equipped with a rigid steel fork and then a massive amount of pressure is applied at the base of the fork until the frame breaks. We measure the force needed to break the frame to ensure that it will not break even on the toughest trails.

Hardness Tester

This hardness tester lets us choose the right materials for the job. Not all aluminum is created equal. Some alloys are harder or softer than others. We use this tool to make sure we are selecting the right materials for our bikes, bolts, and spacers so that you have the best ride possible.