End of the trail for my RIP 9

GP_pilot · **Posted:** Sun Dec 06, 2009 6:28 pm

My trusty steed for nearly 2 1/2 years rode its last trail yesterday, doing what it does best by riding epics. I regretfully had to make the decision to bail midway on a new Palm Canyon epic route just as I was going to ride new trails of Art Smith and Hopalong Cassidy. What started as a small crack didn’t take long to develop into an impending frame failure. At Indian Potrero trail, it was already cracked halfway around. At the end of Vandeventer, I was wondering if it would stay together on the climb up Hahn Buena Vista.

At Mike’s Desert Oasis, Evdog mentioned my other prospect could be hiking more than 9 miles back to the car…in the dark. I still had to descend 6 miles down Dunn road, a levee, and another 8 road miles back to the car with the frame in one piece. Thankfully it got me back to the car. I even tried finishing off the frame with curb jumps, but it wouldn’t give up the fight. None the less, I made the right decision and it got me to the finish.

On the drive back home, I had a lot time to think about bike technology since my steel 1989 Specialized Rock Hopper that I got at the end of my first year of college. Now days everyone wants their 6” travel bike to be 30 lbs or less. Frame and wheel manufacturers have pushed design limits to meet customer desires and not be seen as a heavyweight contender. I bet a lot of companies’ hedge that the average customer will only ride their bike a couple of times a month, not several times per week. Consequently frames and wheel rims can fail, as both have happened to me in the last 2 months. A co-worker’s first full-sus carbon Trek lasted 10 years, while his replacement carbon Trek lasted only 2 years. Some manufacturers are starting to limit the length of warranties as a result. I have no qualms about Niner as they put out a good design the first time out, without the extensive R&D experience that Trek and Specialized have. By 2008, Niner recognized problems and beefed up the down tube thickness and increased the pivot gusseting. Hopefully they’ll cut me a deal on a new 3rd gen RIP frame. I’m bummed that I’ll can’t get a replacement frame in glow-in-the-dark Atomic Blue and now it will look like a Trek.

R.I.P RIP 9. :cry:

QuietStorm · **Posted:** Sun Dec 06, 2009 6:33 pm

Bummer dude. I did like the color of that bike quite a bit.

And you know that's basically where my frame cracked. The seat tube is a high stress area on every bike.

Good luck getting a new frame.

EMFC · **Posted:** Sun Dec 06, 2009 6:40 pm

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kettlebell · **Posted:** Sun Dec 06, 2009 8:30 pm

I was concerned about you riding Art Smith on a cracked frame. Glad you made it out safely :thumbsup:

02bullit · **Posted:** Sun Dec 06, 2009 9:04 pm

Sorry about the RIP. Hope Niner takes good care of you.

bajamtnbkr · **Posted:** Sun Dec 06, 2009 9:07 pm

A sad day indeed, hope you get taken care

Ratigan · **Posted:** Sun Dec 06, 2009 10:38 pm

drag man........ hope they hook you up. that doesn't look like "normal" wear ......

PedalinLito · **Posted:** Sun Dec 06, 2009 10:45 pm

Sorry to hear 'bout the frame man, thankfully I haven't had to endure that.

Well, find comfort in knowing that every ending is a new beginning.

I sure hope NINER will take good care of you.

Wisedog · **Posted:** Sun Dec 06, 2009 11:55 pm

RIP RIP

Evil Chocula · **Posted:** Mon Dec 07, 2009 7:32 am

End of an era. At least we have "Forgotten San Gabes" to remember.

406 · **Posted:** Mon Dec 07, 2009 9:56 am

GP_pilot wrote:

Hopefully they’ll cut me a deal on a new 3rd gen RIP frame.

If not, there are other brands :wink:

GP_pilot wrote:

I’m bummed that I’ll can’t get a replacement frame in glow-in-the-dark Atomic Blue and now it will look like a Trek.

Quote:

Custom Colors.

We offer over thirty colors beyond our stock options to choose from. To the left you will find your starting point for custom color selection. Keep in mind that if you need a special color not shown then ask, because there is always the chance we can match the color of your favorite blue trike...

from:
http://www.turnerbikes.com/010/010colors.html

EBasil · **Posted:** Tue Dec 08, 2009 7:33 am

I think you're handling it well.

02bullit · **Posted:** Wed Feb 10, 2010 9:49 pm

What ended up happening to Ole Jack? Did you get something to take his place?

GP_pilot · **Posted:** Thu Feb 11, 2010 12:20 am

02bullit wrote:

What ended up happening to Ole Jack? Did you get something to take his place?

Thanks, still dealing w/ crash replacement w/ Niner.

QuietStorm · **Posted:** Thu Feb 11, 2010 10:59 am

GP_pilot wrote:

02bullit wrote:

What ended up happening to Ole Jack? Did you get something to take his place?

Thanks, still dealing w/ crash replacement w/ Niner.

But the crack wasn't caused by a crash was it?

End of the trail for my RIP 9

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