2015 Niner Air 9 3-Star XT

Archived: 2015 Niner Air 9 3-Star XT · Mountain Hardtail · Published sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL

• Confirm the frame markings and seller description match this archived model. Note every component that differs from the published build.
• Record the frame serial number. It should be legible, unaltered and consistent with the seller’s ownership history.
• Find the size marking on the bicycle and confirm the fit before judging the condition or price.

Archived: Frame: Hydroformed Aluminum alloy frame · Fork: Fox 32 Float CTD O/C Evolution, 100MM, 15MM

• Look for dents or shape changes and inspect the edges of welds around the head tube, bottom bracket, seat cluster and suspension mounts for hairline cracks.
• Stand behind and in front of the bicycle to look for obvious frame, fork or wheel misalignment. Ask directly about crashes, transport damage and repairs.

Archived: Fork: Fox 32 Float CTD O/C Evolution, 100MM, 15MM

• Inspect the fork stanchions for scratches or coating wear, look for oil or dirt rings at the seals, and cycle the fork through its travel while checking for binding or bushing play.
• Ask for dated fork-service records. A clean exterior does not establish the condition of internal seals, oil or bushings.

Archived: Group: Shimano XT · Shifters: Shimano XT M780 10sp I-Spec · Front derailleur: Shimano XT M786 10sp · Rear derailleur: Shimano XT M786 GS Med Cage 10sp Shadow Plus · Crankset: Shimano XT M785 38/26T · Bottom bracket: Shimano BB70 · Rear cogs: Shimano XT M771 10sp 11-36T · Chain: Shimano XT HG95 10sp

• Shift through every available gear under light load. Hesitation, skipping or inconsistent indexing can reflect wear, damage, poor adjustment or mismatched replacement parts.
• Measure chain wear with a compatible gauge and inspect chainring, cassette or freewheel teeth. A new chain does not rule out wear in the remaining drivetrain.
• Turn the cranks slowly, feel for rough bearings and check for side-to-side play. Inspect crank arms, chainring bolts and pedal threads for looseness or damage.

Archived: Brakes: Shimano XT M785 ICE Tech Pads with 180/160MM Rotors

• Inspect pads and braking surfaces, check the complete cable or hose path, and confirm both controls feel consistent and return cleanly.
• Before riding, test every installed brake separately at walking speed. Each should stop firmly and release cleanly without its control reaching the end of its usable travel.

Archived: Wheel size: 29 · Rims: Niner XC Alloy · Hubs: 15MM Front, 142 x 12MM Rear · Front tire: Schwalbe Racing Ralph Performance 2.25

• Spin both wheels and watch for side-to-side and vertical movement. Check spoke tension, rim condition and hub play.
• Inspect both tire casings for cuts, cracking, plugs, bulges or exposed threads and confirm the installed sizes are safe for the rims and available frame and fork clearance.
• Remove and reinstall or closely inspect both wheel-retention systems. Axles or quick releases should tighten correctly with undamaged threads, hardware and dropouts.

Archived: Handlebar: NINER Flat Top Alloy, 710MM, Red Niner Graphic · Stem: NINER Alloy Stem, Red Niner Graphic · Seatpost: NINER Alloy Seat Post, 400MM, Red Niner Graphic · Saddle: Niner Custom with Cr-Mo Rails, Niner Graphic

• Apply the front brake and rock the bike to check for headset play or notchiness. Inspect the stem, handlebar and clamp zones, then confirm every fastener and control is secure.
• Check that the seatpost moves for adjustment and that the saddle, post and clamp hold securely without cracks, severe corrosion or damaged hardware.

• Before riding, confirm both wheels are secure, tires are safe, both brakes function, and the headset, handlebar, stem, cranks and pedals have no looseness.
• Begin at low speed. Test steering, braking and shifting progressively, then load the drivetrain and suspension only after the basic safety checks pass.
• Listen and feel for repeated knocks, grinding, skipping, brake pulsation or movement at joints. Stop the test if the bicycle cannot be controlled safely.