Santa Cruz Highball  – $650

Santa Cruz Highball

The skinny carbon fiber killing machine has now been joined by a new ALUMINUM brother. Taking the swift and light intent of their 29″ wheeled carbon Highball and crafting it out of aluminum, Santa Cruz has added a couple very notable other features: value and versatility. The proprietary aluminum tubing allows for a strong, respectably light frame, and features the same responsive geometry as their carbon race bike. Riders have the option of running a fixed position rear dropout for geared use, or a pivoting, adjustable dropout for single speed use. Clean lines and super-versatility aside, this is also one of our most affordable bikes, redefining the notion of “bang for your buck.” Check out these features:

• Fixed or swinger SS dropouts
• Tapered headtube
• Hydroformed top- and downtubes
• Asymmetrical forged chainstay yoke (for optimal strength, stiffness, and chainring clearance)
• Brake strut on non-driveside for vibration-free braking
• Two bottle mounts
• Threaded BB shell (this is still the best, most user-friendly, widely compatible, globally serviceable way to install a bottom bracket.)

Niner EMD – $550

Niner EMD in Hot Tomale

The E.M.D. 9 may be the least expensive frame in the Niner lineup but it benefits from the same design process and expectations that we require from every Niner frame. Newly redesigned to integrate custom hydroformed tubing and a tapered headtube, the E.M.D. 9 is a worthy little brother to the Air 9.

Because of the larger welding area created by the new tapered headtube we are able to include a new, massive hydroformed downtube as well as a significantly larger diameter toptube, contributing to a much stronger frame.

By allowing for the use of the newest generation of 1.5” tapered steerer suspension forks and integrated headset, we create the stiffest front end possible – with the same stack height as our original E.M.D. 9 model.

The E.M.D. 9 is finished off with the quality you have come to expect from Niner, with all of the attention to detail that every Niner frame gets, including the stainless steel Niner head badge, reamed and faced headtube and bottom bracket, chased BB threads and faced disc brake mount tabs.

Available in 5 sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL)

Misfit Psycles diSSent (Al) – $450

Misfit Psycles diSSent (Al)

The original. This is the frame that started it all. Mostly.

The diSSent (Al) is a versatile 29er that performs equally well racing, riding or just doddling along.

The diSSent’s unique geometry will provide you with a 29er frame that you ride IN (not ON). The result is a frame that melds the best features of your olde 26er with the advantages of 29″ wheels.

Misfit Psycles diSSent (Al) is constructed of 6061 aluminum. 6061 provides numerous design, cost, ride and manufacturing benefits over generic 4130 chromoly, 7005 and vastly better value then Scandium or Titanium.

6061 is (arguably) the most versatile of the alloys, offering excellent strength and elongation properties for the given budget.

Available in 4 sizes (S, M, L, XL)

(Prices shown are for frame only and are subject to change by the manufacturer or the individual seller)

You can find links to these and other companies here.