Niner RIP e9 Mountain Bike

Niner RIP e9 E-Trail Bike's Power and Performance

The first segment of bikes where e-bikes really started to make inroads was mountain bikes. And that should not be surprising since mountain bikes are where the motor and battery system weight would be less noticeable, and the need to go uphill ever-present. With the Niner RIP e9 it will quickly become apparent that not only will you go up much faster with this e-trail bike, you’ll be able to go further or just enjoy the journey a lot more without having to worry about the killer hills ahead.

The RIP e9 is a 150mm trail e-bike for everyone from off-road beginners to weekend warriors with limited time. Though it is called the e-version of the RIP, Niner engineers have spent long hours finding ways to make certain the ride quality of the RIP could be translated into the RIP e9. It wasn’t as simple as that may sound, because of course they are adding a bit of weight to the setup with the Bosch pedal assist system and that pedal assist reduced the utility of Niner’s signature CVA suspension system. So they kinda had to go back to the drawing board in order to create something that would live up to their own expectations.

Starting with the frame, they are using hand welded 6061 aluminum and a one-piece motor mount at the bottom bracket that works to keep the upper and lower pivot locations playing well together for the shock mount while remaining exceptionally stiff. But getting the suspension right was hugely important. Instead of using the CVA system that’s essential to making the most of the 150mm of plush, efficient rear travel on the non-electric RIP, the Niner masterminds went with a Horst-link 4-bar system, but made sure to tune it exactly as they wanted, so they adjusted the leverage ratio, shock length, stroke, orientation and mounting location to make sure that the kinematics feel the way Niner always feel. The result for the RIP e9 is a fantastically balanced and supple suspension curve.

The Natural Feel of the Bosch Performance Line CX Motor used in the RIP e9

What makes the pedaling action a complete joy, though, is just how natural and smooth the Bosch Performance Line CX motor feels. No jerky starts or delayed stops, the motor torque sensitivity means that it kicks in unobtrusively and continues a smooth pedal action with you. And with a 50 mile average range, the 625wh battery helps to keep you feeling comfortable in the hills knowing that you won’t have to have any range anxiety deep in the backwoods with no phone reception. The design of the frame means that the Bosch PowerTube battery slots neatly into the underside of the downtube, and if you are wondering what will happen to the motor when you get those inevitable rock strikes, Niner’s designers have anticipated you by integrating a seriously robust bash guard under the BB to protect the motor.

Available in three sizes and in a very flashy looking black frame color, the Niner RIP e9 is the type of e-trail bike that will enhance every ride not only by amping up the mileage but shooting the fun factor through the roof.

Also check Litespeed Mountain Bikes.