We’re seeing a definite increase in momentum behind wagon-wheeler interest this year. The EMD (Eat My Dust) is the entry-level 7005 series aluminium frame in Niner’s 29in-wheel-specific family.
A hydroformed, hooked down tube increases strength while keeping fork top cap control clearance. Cowled dropouts add strength at the end of bent stays that will happily house a 2.35in tyre. Little plate bridges stop them splaying too far, and you still get a pimpy steel headbadge on this intro bike.
It’s Niner’s benchmark big wheel handling that’s the real selling point here though. Bespoke angles maximise the faster, smoother rolling advantage of the 29er format without any of the wander, wobble or jack-kniing of less polished designs.
There’s a lot of Niner accessory kit available too, including flat bars and jaw-droppingly beautiful carbon rigid forks. However, even this entry-level version is on the expensive side for an aluminium hardtail.
