Canfield Bikes Unveils Longer, Slacker 2020 Nimble 9 Hardtail

Nov 29, 2019
by Canfield Bikes  
2020 2021 Hardtail Check Out

Press Release: Canfield Bikes

Today we unveiled the 5th generation of our steel hardtail, the Nimble 9.

For 2020, the Nimble 9 sees refreshed geometry across all sizes as well as all-new two-tone, pinstriped paint in five retro-inspired color combinations.

Handcrafted in small batches, the Nimble 9 is a steel all-mountain hardtail built to get rowdy and designed to accommodate 29-inch, 29-plus or 27.5-plus wheels with up to 2.8-inch tires. It combines the ride quality of 4130 chromoly steel with vertically compliant, radial-bent chainstays and updated aggressive all-mountain geometry.

2020 Canfield Nimble 9 Frame Colors

We have been redefining the way 29ers ride since the Yelli Screamy (the first production 29er with sub-17-inch chainstays) was introduced in 2011, and the latest N9 is no exception. A slack 66-degree head-angle keeps things confident when you venture where no hardtail should, and short chainstays (adjustable down to 16.4-inches via sliding dropouts) make sure the Nimble 9 lives up to its name. We have also updated the sizing, which adds more than an inch of reach to each size from the previous generation.

bigquotesWhether you’re building it as a single-speed, a bikepacking rig or just a playful, all-mountain hardtail, this bike brings the party to the trail.—Lance Canfield

In addition, all sizes see a shorter seat tube to better fit today’s longer dropper posts and provide more maneuverability when you drop the saddle and let gravity take over. Chainstay yolks have also been redesigned for added stiffness and durability.

“The Nimble 9 is such a fun, versatile bike,” said Lance Canfield, owner and designer. “Whether you’re building it as a single-speed, a bikepacking rig or just a playful, all-mountain hardtail, this bike brings the party to the trail.”

Available in Mantis Green, Night Sky Blue, Mud Puddle Brown, Race Car Red and RAD Pink in S, M, L and XL, the 2020 Nimble 9 will retail for $799.99 and is available now on pre-order for Black Friday Pricing of only $599.99 at CanfieldBikes.com. Frame, fork and headset bundles are also available.

Canfield Nimble 9 Features
• 29″ All Mountain (29+, 27.5+ compatible)
• 4130 chromoly steel
• Radial-bent chainstays tuned for a compliant ride
• Increased reach and shorter seat tube
• 66° head angle (w/ 150mm fork)
• Custom sliding Boost 148mm x 12mm rear dropouts, axle included
• Adjustable 417mm to 433mm chainstays
• Clearance for up to 2.8 tires
• Singlespeed-able
• Stealth cable routing
• ISCG 05 chain guide mount
• Custom two-tone paint
• Frame weight: 6 lbs
• ED Black treated for superior corrosion resistance
• Removable direct mount front derailleur block
• Two water bottle bosses
• Includes Headset + Seat Clamp

Canfield 2020 Nimble 9 Geo ( Based on 150mm fork, 563mm Axle to Crown)
2020 Canfield Nimble 9 Geo


Canfield Bikes N9 Black Friday Pre-Order Pricing

N9 Frame + headset + seat clamp (pre-order)
• MSRP: $799.99
• Black Friday: $599.99 (SAVE $200)
• Cyber Monday pricing: $649.99 (SAVE $150)

N9 Frame + Fork (DVO Diamond boost 150mm) + headset + seat clamp (pre-order)
• MSRP: $1,899.99
• Black Friday: $1,299.99 (SAVE $600)
• Cyber Monday pricing: $1,399.99 (SAVE $500)

To pre-order the Nimble 9, and for additional Black Friday / Cyber Monday savings including 50% off cranks and chainrings and up to $50 off pedals, visit CanfieldBikes.com.

Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Press Releases Hardtails Canfield Brothers


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104 Comments
  • 42 1
 I'll be stoked-er to see the next iteration of the balance. Too old to ride a hardtail as fast as I want to go. Just plain pumped to see the skull badge back in bizness tho period.
  • 41 0
 Patience! Wink
  • 3 0
 ^^^Yes!!! Would love to see a revised aluminum full suspension Swiss army knife from the Brothers!

I had a Nimble9, probably the first or second year it was released. It had the most beautiful light blue metallic paint that glowed in the dark. So much fun and a definite attention grabber on night rides!
  • 3 0
 @canfieldbikes: I am pumped to buy a nice alloy frame!
  • 5 0
 @canfieldbikes:
I'll take a 29'er jedi with 510mm reach and mertic shock sizing. 7000 series polished aluminium of course, with blue links. Thank you.
  • 2 1
 @canfieldbikes: make it steel
  • 3 0
 @mtbgeartech: No longer brothers in the company. Just Lance now, who's a stud.
  • 1 0
 Yeah I still havey one. One of the best bikes I owned
  • 1 0
 im on a L '15 balance and was looking for an XL '16 but that would be even better!
  • 1 2
 Too old for a hardtail but not old enough to write properly.
  • 3 0
 @djm35: to hard for old tail? hahah
  • 27 1
 Hope they also upgraded the chainstay whites, not only the yolks
  • 57 0
 You've caught us with an embarrassing spelling mistake. I guess you could say...we have egg on our face.
  • 3 0
 @canfieldbikes: just wanted to have a laugh, cool bike!
  • 1 0
 @canfieldbikes: I've seen worse. Earlier this year, Manitou left some letters out of the text of their front page banner ad.
  • 6 0
 I don’t think it’s realistically most people’s primary bike, but life is better with a steel hardtail in the garage. It’s kind of amazing how lazy you can get with modern rear suspension and a hardtail reminds you that bike handling is still a thing.
  • 1 0
 So fun! And with the combination of steel and the radial bent stays, much more compliant than an aluminum or carbon hardtail...
  • 8 1
 You had me at Singlespeed-able
  • 7 8
 Every bike is singlespeed-able
  • 7 1
 Good on ya for releasing another bike! Maybe the next version can be a little slacker Wink
  • 6 0
 Indeed, 66 is not slack these days
  • 3 0
 @wobbem: Especially for a hardtail
  • 1 0
 I had an OG N9 in the super tasty Canfield Blue (which also glowed in the dark). Started as an SS when I lived in the desert and turned into a geared all mountain ripper when I moved to the PNW. Good buddy had one too. Ultimately, we both sold them around the same time because suspension, even a little bit, is just more fun when your trails are fast. But if you dig the hardtail thing, these are rad!
  • 5 0
 Stoked to see the steel hardtail back for 2020!
  • 3 0
 @canfieldbikes can do no wrong!! Keep the new models coming guys. I have children and debt, but I promised myself my next new bike will be a Canfield. Soon..
  • 2 0
 If you have kids, don’t wait to get out of debt. Get the bike, destroy the receipts, and ride the hell out of it whenever you can. Smile
  • 2 0
 There is an upcoming Star Wars movie coming out claiming to be the "Last Jedi". What better time to release a 29er Jedi and one that would truly be the one and only "Jedi" master Smile .
  • 1 0
 They couldn't keep the "Riot" branding but "Jedi" was no problem... Huh? Nobody at Lucas Film rides mountain bike? I like "Riot"... Please down vote me if this comment is causing trouble.
  • 4 0
 The hardtail frame I'm waiting for! ????
  • 6 29
flag Chilliwacker (Nov 29, 2019 at 5:18) (Below Threshold)
 The hardtail frame you're waiting for is the Norco Torrent. Not taking anything from Canfield , they are great just number and price look at Norco
  • 9 2
 @Chilliwacker: but consider this: if you buy the Norco you don't have one of the best headtube badges in the business Wink
  • 6 4
 @Chilliwacker: The Torrent is a nice frame, but will not ride anything close to the same as a Nimble 9. Torrent has: no SS ability, longer chain stays, longer seat tube+less dropper travel, longer wheelbase, lower grade steel, and is currently $100 more for the frame. You are comparing two very different frames. The closest frame out there right now is the Reeb, Dikyelous 2, and it comes at a price tag of $1800 for just the frame. No need to hate on a nearly perfect US design. Nimble 9 is the ultimate hard tail for shredding everything from flow,dirt jump, or long days in the saddle.
  • 4 0
 @Whitebret: in the spring I built up a RSD Middlechild because I couldn’t get a n9. It’s a touch more aggressive geo than the new frame here, but it’s a fairly rough ride as a 29er. A lot of options out there again for bikes that could be run as SS without a tensioner. I’ll have to look for reviews once people start riding this to see if it’s worth moving parts over.
  • 1 0
 @yzedf: I have never heard of the RSD Middlechild. It looks very similar to the Nimble 9 with the exception of a slacker head angle which results in a bit longer wheel base. The other difference is almost a lb of frame weight. I had a 1st generation Nimble and have regretted selling it. Been trying to find a decent replacement. The Middlechild is a great comparison bike. I've been close to getting the Pipedream Sirius 4G, but waiting to see new Nimble 9. Wish Canfield posted more stats on the new frame such as ETT, WB, standover, and frame weight. Limited info on a new frame makes it difficult to blind purchase with zero reviews.
  • 1 0
 @Whitebret: exactly why I’ll wait.
  • 1 0
 @Whitebret: curious how you concluded that the Norco is made using "lower grade steel?" Did I miss something in the description? They're both listed as "4130 chromoly" - what exactly do you mean by "lower grade?"
  • 1 2
 @ssteve: he's a canfield fanboy.i prefer the look of the Norco.
  • 2 0
 Awesome geo, but Im struggling to understand how the STA is 77 effective .. it looks like much less. Are there photos of a complete bike build?
  • 2 0
 Well firstly the seat tube terminates some ways ahead of the BB, but then they probably calculated from the BB to some point on the saddle using a 150mm dropper, at which point yeah I can imagine it being about 76-77°
  • 1 0
 With a sagged 150 mm fork it's going to be around 80. That's weird. Or the future.
  • 1 0
 @Lookinforit: i saw this, but Peter Verdone bikes have this same bend on seat tube and they have very slack STA. I know is hard to preview this measures just by looking to the bike, even harder to the frame apart.

@brcz: also this, would be very steep when sagged.
  • 1 0
 @brcz: The future is weird!
  • 2 0
 the actual angle on the ST looks to be somewhat slacker, but agree - hard to tell without the other components on it.
  • 3 0
 Love, LOVE my OG Nimble Nine in chrome! 3 But I can't wait to try one of these...
  • 2 0
 Man, that red and white frame is tasty! For people who have built up frames before, what's a reasonable amount one should expect to spend for solid components.
  • 11 0
 a lot.
  • 5 0
 @HopeFbn: there was a joke going around when I was into moto racing:

"How do you make a small pile of money racing motorcycles?"

"Start with a big pile of money"
  • 1 0
 @HopeFbn:
  • 1 0
 @roma258: hahaha that's a good one
  • 7 0
 Get savvy and look everywhere with online shopping if you want to build a solid bike for a reasonable price.

~$2k (including frame) ought to get you a really solid build if you don’t need/want top shelf or flashy parts. Just remember to get an anodized stem... those shave seconds off Strava times.
  • 1 0
 @MTBrent: I build a monstercross few months ago, and man.. it was a lot of money for that bike. Don't get me wrong, I like that bike a lot, but usually you end up wanting the best for each component, or close to the best and well, that isn't cheap.
Usually drivetrain will suck all the budget, I can't imagine having to buy suspension and stuff...
  • 2 0
 @HopeFbn: Agreed. It can get expensive quick once you start looking at what you “want”! If I get to a comp, I’ll post a build sheet for my N9:

m.vitalmtb.com/community/MTBrent,36393/setup,36910

Got it done for a very reasonable amount.
  • 1 0
 go on the buysell. look for 11 speed shimano xt, slx brakeset, stans or spank wheels, marzocchi z1 or z2 forks, and raceface cockpit. would be 1200-1500usd finding good deals to build up a rippin hardtail
  • 2 0
 @MTBrent: yep all about being patient looking for deals.

I got a Mattoc Comp fork for 225 CAD brand new.
Bontrager Powerline Comp wheelset (40mm internal) for 300 CAD new
Found XTR 11 speed derailleur and shifter for 120 CAD used.
Merlincycles has Shimano XT brakesets (front and rear) for $175 CAD right now or Zee for 247 CAD.

Usually the most expensive parts are gonna be wheels and fork. So if you can find a good deal on those, the rest is peanuts.
  • 3 0
 @Ryan2949: My greatest coup so far was getting a new Fox 34 Rhythm on sale from bikecomponents for $180. That fork’s chassis was tweaked from the factory, so Fox warrantied and replaced it with a 10mm-higher travel 34 Performance cause that’s all they had at the time. Couldn’t have been planned it, but it sure as hell worked out nice!
  • 1 0
 @MTBrent: I actually almost bought a Rhythm as well on one of the German websites (I think the same one you got LOL). I should have Frown it sold out fast at that price.
  • 1 0
 @roma258: nice one
  • 2 0
 I just finished my Nimble 9 build. Bought the frame secondhand from my bike mechanic (it was like new), but everything else on it is basically new. I would say I have almost $2k into it, but a comparable bike would cost a lot more. XT 12-speed with GX cassette, SunRingle Duroc 40 wheels w/ Maxxis Recon+ tires. SLX 7120 brakes, OneUp V2 dropper, Spank Vibrocore bars, DVO Beryl fork, Easton stem, and Canfield Cranks/Chainring.
  • 1 0
 I would also highly recommend LordGun as far as far as parts go if you like shimano. They have some really cheap new stuff. I got my 4 piston SLX 7120 brakes for a touch under $200, total for front and back.
  • 3 0
 Back in the business? Nice, Even without reading numbers this stuff expected be awesome
  • 1 0
 Close up pics? I'd like to see the shaping of the tubing, to compare to something like the Ragley Blue Pig, which has oval stays for compliance, and what not.
  • 2 0
 I love my last gen Nimble 9, this looks like it'll be a more capable all mountain hardtail. Love the colorways as well.
  • 3 0
 Bravo canfield, looks like fun.
  • 2 0
 It looks awesome but where are the pictures of it built up? Even on their website there are none
  • 1 0
 Still in production so we don't have any built photos, but we'll share them as soon as we do—can't wait to get these built up!
  • 2 3
 I remember strongly considering an N9 some years back, and called to see how much the frame weighed. As I recall, it was a bit over 2.7kg (6lbs). I know some people like a bike that can take a ton of abuse, but for me 2.7 kilos is just too much.
  • 2 0
 BOLD of people to do a pre-order without complete geometry chart OR delivery date...???
  • 3 0
 The new paint looks amazing! Great job @canfieldbikes!
  • 2 0
 When are these available?
  • 2 0
 Still riding my 2014 N9 every day! Absolutely killer bikes, Canfield.
  • 2 0
 I wish it was 27.5x3.0 compatible.
  • 2 0
 It has a 80mm wide tire opening.
  • 1 0
 Some 3.0 tires will fit (80mm wide chain stays), but since some may not depending on tread pattern, etc. (different brands run different for the same stated size), sticking to 2.8 as "official" to be safe.
  • 1 0
 @canfieldbikes: It would be really helpful to see the horizontal top tube length in the geometry chart. I know reach is there but TT provides additional info that is useful in determining fit. I'm always stuck between an L and XL at 6'2".
  • 2 0
 My next frame is for sure a canfield
  • 2 0
 Updated some additional geo specs over on the site!
  • 1 0
 What's the wheel base measurements?
  • 1 0
 That black-blue version is to match with a ParkTools workshop?
  • 3 4
 lawsuit incoming in 3-2-1
  • 2 22
flag Chilliwacker (Nov 29, 2019 at 6:25) (Below Threshold)
 Coz the person buying overpriced average tools wants an overpriced average frame to match
  • 2 0
 @Chilliwacker: just a few lines up you said Canfield was great. And now they are overpriced and average. Which is is?
  • 4 1
 @Chilliwacker: bro. clearly you've never ridden a balance or a jedi or else the nonsense spewing from your pie hole would cease.
  • 3 0
 DVO blue to be exact
  • 1 2
 @ranke: what about the Riot,oh yah all their links broke. And sorry no warranty you rode it too hard.
  • 2 1
 What 29er 150mm+ forks can accommodate 2.8 inch tires?
  • 1 0
 A lyrik
  • 1 0
 Are the logos painted or stickers with this generation?
  • 2 0
 Bake in logos, not removable like before. I think it's a much nicer way to logo the frame.
  • 1 0
 @flymybike: that's what's up, the stickers were fine but all of my CB frames started to lose decals at some point.
  • 1 0
 No more all chrome paint? Frown
  • 2 0
 Still buying one though....
  • 1 0
 @Deanosuar: not this time but chrome will happen again in the future.
  • 1 0
 Finally done with childish sibling rivalries and now making bikes again.
  • 1 1
 77* seat angle unsagged? So that's like pushing 80* when you sit on it?
  • 1 0
 Where's the stack hight?
  • 6 8
 @canfieldbikes - the seat tube angle is possible but what inspired you to not use 62 head angle and 470 stays? Geometry experts are not satisfied
  • 1 1
 Where's it getting welded?
  • 5 5
 Just buy a Chromag .
  • 2 0
 I had all 27.5 parts lying around so I built up a Stylus. Damn, it’s a fun bike.
  • 1 0
 Damn straight @DrPete:
  • 2 5
 Long front ends need long rear ends...
  • 2 1
 That’s up for debate.

Long front ends and long rear ends probably feels great in the UK, but not everywhere else.

Love the long front end on my Chromag Doctahawk M/L, but I’m very happy to have short chain stays for pulling my front end up and making the bike feel more lively/flickable
  • 1 0
 That's true, but this bike's front end is pretty short. Nimble is in its name... with the reach, HA, and fork length known, the CS length range is adequate to tune to your liking. For example, the Pipedream Moxie had sliders, but had a mega long reach and slacker HA. That one got immortalized in Ti, using the longest CS length available on the original. I think it was like 435mm CS with a 800ish front center. Based on that, I expect size small owners to typically have wheel slammed forward, and size XL owners to have wheel slammed back for longer CS.
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