The recent spate of good weather had me out on the One9 for some good solid trail riding, and got me thinking a lot about the difference in the ride between the One9 and the Jabberwocky – (if you’re unfamiliar, both are hardtail, singlespeed-specific 29ers.)

vassago jabberwocky on the trail

vassago jabberwocky on the trail

No one should be surprised when I say that I’m quite fond my Vassago Jabberwocky. After all, it was by riding that bike that I came back from my anxiety-induced heart problems. It was by riding that bike that I had all sorts of amazing adventures last year. I liked the long top tube, the supple steel frame, and the geometry climbed as advertised. The downside for me was a low bottom bracket which resulted in many pedal strikes and odd pedaling patterns trying to avoid our numerous rocks and roots on the trail.

Niner One9 in Stowe Town Loops

Niner One9 in Stowe Town Loops

So when I got the One9 this winter, it had some big shoes to fill. Made from fancy scandium, the frame is lightweight and very responsive. It’s more compact, less stretched out which made the fit more difficult for me. I think I finally have it just about where I want it, though there may still be fine tuning. The bottom bracket is higher and that makes me happy. I am experiencing less pedal strikes and evasive pedaling techniques. The handling and climbing geometry is second to the Vassago. Now that we’re back on the tight, twisty trails around here, I noticed some oversteer on the One9. George flipped my fork to 100mm and stay tuned to see how that changes things.

At this point I don’t think I can say that I have a distinct preference for one frame over the other. If you asked me which frame I thought you should buy, I would ask you what you wanted to spend and if you wanted the steel or the scandium experience. The frames have way different price points, and if money is an object then I would go toward the Vassago. If you wanted a to build something superlight and race-like and you had a bunch of money, then the One9 would be a good choice. The bottom line is that both make really good bikes.