Niner RIP 9 RDO 29 Mountain Bike Frame

Masterful Design - Introducing the Updated Niner RIP 9 RDO 29

Just like our tastes, Niner keeps evolving as it gets a little older. Big proponents of 29 inch wheels – actually the raison d'être of the company for a long time – Niner initially was focused on XC and trail riding, then quietly started branching out into the enduro and all mountain brackets. Now with the newly updated Niner RIP 9 RDO 29, they have produced a bike that even the most skilled downhillers will find equal to their needs.

For one thing, the previous RIP 9 RDO was designed to do double duty, being able to fit both 27.5 and 29 inch wheels. Now they have split out those two standards, made a 27.5 that is also available at Wrench Science and then crafted this version to work specifically for 29 inch wheels. By focusing everything from the geometry to the suspension with a view to how it will interact with some 29 inchers makes the Niner RIP 9 RDO 29 such a wonderfully handling and confidence-inspiring stable bike. Your adventurous spirit will soar once you realize that you can handle rough jumps into chuddery landings that you never would have dreamed attempting.

Part of that is down to the longer, lower, and slacker geometry that Niner is using here. It might not be as long and low as some DH mountain bikes, but this is a bike that is also intended to be a blast to climb with, so finding that perfect balance to ensure going up is as fun and flickable as your favorite flowy descents is such a bigger accomplishment. In addition to the steep seat tube angle, extended reach and slack front end, Niner has gone in and re-thunk their suspension choices from the previous version. So you’ll get the 150mm upfront paired with 140mm shock in the back, which has been made possible by their CVA suspension system.

What you’ll notice that is also different with this CVA system is the ribs on either side of the damper. The wisdom of the design here is to eliminate the seatstay bridge, which opens up the possibilities of how big you can go with your tire selection. Similarly, the lower link of the CVA system tucks neatly under the bottom bracket shell to shorten the chainstays and help keep that tire clearance generous. Niner has also included a rocker-mounted flip chip so that you have the option to lower the bottom bracket by seven millimeters and slacken the head tube from 66° to 65°. Another nod to those folks who really want to push themselves on their DH trails.

Tube Shape Design of Niner RIP 9 RDO 29

This is a bike that has been designed to excel both going up hill and going down. The tube shapes have been rejigged to offer extensive torsional resistance to flex, while offering a certain cushioning comfort vertically. The Niner RIP 9 RDO 29’s stable handling, whether climbing or descending, will enhance every ride.

Also check Intense Mountain Bikes.