No, the headline is not a mistake. Niner has updated their popular Rip 9 RDO trail bike with two models, including a 27.5.
The Rip 9 has been a mainstay for Niner over the past ten years. The Rip 9 RDO offers 140mm of frame travel and is paired with a 150mm or 160mm fork for an aggressive trail breed.
Niner says that even though they’ve stuck to their big-wheeled guns, they saw a fit for a smaller and more playful wheelsize in the lineup. Rather than make one frame that fits both, or adapts to 27.5+, they made two distinct frame and wheel sizes – an interesting move, when much of the industry is touting 29ers. It appears both models will fit tires up to 2.6″ wide.
The new versions see a suspension curve in line with the majority of new releases from the bike industry. That includes a sensitive bottom stroke, supportive mid, and progressive top-stroke.
The new frame features struts between the down and seat tubes which is said to stiffen the frame laterally quite a bit. Flat portions on the bike’s top and down tubes also reduce twisting in the frame, and a lower link below the bottom bracket allows for shorter chainstays.
Niner has also made the geometry more aggressive than ever. Not only that, it’s the first Niner to have a flip-chip that modifies the bike’s geometry. In the low mode, the Rip 9 sports a 65-degree head angle and a 75.2-degree seat angle, while in the high mode it moves to 66 degrees and 75.8 degrees. The 29er has 435mm chainstays and the 27.5-inch model’s stays are 430mm long.
A Rip 9 RDO frameset starts at $3,200. An entry-level “2-star” build kit starts at $4,500 and includes a SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain, a Fox 36 Rhythm fork, Fox DPX2 rear shock, and SRAM Level brakes.
A “5-star” build tops out at $8,800. The build includes a Fox Factory 36 and Float DPX2 rear shock, both with Kashima, a SRAM X01 drivetrain, SRAM Guide RSC brakes, and DT Swiss XMC 1200 carbon wheels.
For more information, visit the Niner website.
