The creators of 9point8 claim to have become a parts producer out of passion. If you take a closer look at the Fall Line Inline, you'll believe them. It's classy. This could also be due to the fact that they manufacture many parts themselves.
9point8 Fall Line: Specifications
Diameter: 30,9 / 31,6mm
Hub: 75 / 100 /125 / 150 / 175 / 200mm
Control: Internal
remote: Zug
inner workings: Hydraulic System
Price: € 499,95
9point8 Fall Line: Dimensions test prop
Effective Stroke: 148 mm
Minimum insertion depth: 127 mm
Maximum usable length: 324 mm
Seat height retracted: 61 mm
Weight: 609g (160cm line)
9point8 Fall Line: Assembly
When installing, not everything works as intuitively as with other supports, it is worth taking a look at the instructions or the good video. The implementation is then absolutely no longer difficult. It is operated with a shift cable and case. The cover bolts to the bottom of the strut, which is a good thing because there is no chance of the tack slipping out or the clamped cable slipping out when the support is moved in the frame. The lever allows various settings, all of which are only partially convincing.
9point8 Fall Line: Processing
This is where the 9point8 Fall Line Inline comes into its own. You have to look for plastic, everything is finely milled and anodized. We like the surfaces of the individual parts that are produced in a machining process. Even a high-quality forged part can't keep up, it just doesn't look as precise and precise. This visual impression continues during assembly, and the hands also gain the same insight. But that's to be expected, after all, some people buy a whole bike for the price of this component.
9point8 Fall Line: Function
Can the function keep up with the excellent workmanship? To put it bluntly: not quite. The cartridge developed by 9point8 relies on the so-called DropLoc technology - the air spring is combined with a mechanical lockout and should not only be significantly more robust than the competition, but also has the advantage that the support maintains its current position if the train should tear once. In the event of problems, this lock system can be easily reset by pressing the remote for 10 seconds.
The air spring inside the 9point8 Fall Line works with a comparatively low pressure of approx. 35 PSI. We were all the more surprised by the extremely fast extension speed - even too fast for our taste. You can get the problem under control with a lower pressure, but then, according to the operating instructions, malfunctions can occur at low temperatures. The operating forces of the remote are pleasant, the feedback is noticeable - unfortunately, the remote, which at first glance seems very well thought out, is disappointing in terms of ergonomics. The idea behind it is good: By loosening the fastening screw, it can be mounted both horizontally and vertically, i.e. classically next to the handle or as a trigger replacement. The fact that this does not work optimally in practice is mainly due to the fact that the lever is very far away from the handlebars and makes it necessary to change your grip while riding - no matter how the remote is ultimately mounted. A special 1-by clamp from 9point8 or the recently available Digit Remote can help.
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