Niner Bikes will wind down operations effective immediately, reports suggest.
The news was first revealed in an Instagram post by independent cycling journalist James Huang, who says “all employees have been laid off” as the brand ceases operations. Escape Collective reports it has verified Huang’s post via distributors, staff and ambassadors.
Niner has weathered a turbulent few years. It filed for bankruptcy protection in 2017 before being acquired by United Wheels Inc, the holding company behind Huffy, in 2018.
Founder Chris Sugai departed the company in 2022. The brand then relocated its headquarters from Fort Collins, Colorado, to United Wheels’ headquarters in Miamisburg, Ohio, in 2023, alongside reported layoffs.
Despite those challenges and a relatively quiet period for launches, the brand teased an unreleased RIP e9 RDO electric bike and a new Air 9 RDO frame at this year’s Sea Otter Classic.
Founded in 2005, Niner built its brand around 29in mountain bikes at a time when 26in wheels were still the norm. Niner later became an early advocate for gravel riding.
Niner and United Wheels have been contacted for comment, and we will update this story when more information becomes available.
