Niner’s new JET 9 and RIP 9 bikes are bang up to date with new geometry, more travel, and 27.5 plus compatibility.
The new JET 9 RDO
The all new JET anchors the [R]Evolution of our trail bikes. Knowing that technologies and rider expectations have changed over the years, we’ve put a lot of time, energy and research into creating the most versatile and fun full suspension mountain bike money can buy.
[R]Evolution geometry
At the core of the JET is our [R]Evolution geometry. The overall dimensions lean toward longer reach on the frames so we can shorten the stem lengths for quicker steering input. Likewise, the chainstays have been shortened from its processor down to 434mm for fast acceleration and some playful pop. But to keep the overall feel of the bike well rounded and to ensure efficient climbing and pedaling, we’ve steepened the seat tube angle. This keeps you centered in the bike and able to stay on top of your gear when you’re putting down the power.
CVA
The Constant Varying Arc (CVA) suspension platform we engineered and patented years ago remains the linchpin for our full suspension bikes and really gives the JET its legs. But how can this technology keep pace with the ever-changing ‘standards’ in today’s mountain bike world? Unlike so many suspension systems out there that are based on optimal chainring-to-pivot point configurations, CVA relies on counteracting linkage forces that are not dependent on specific pivot locations. The bottom linkage is pulled downward when you’re pedaling to negate squat, while the upward rotating top linkage is left free to react to terrain changes. What you get is efficient, fun, fully active suspension, all the time.
But let’s face it, if you’re in the market for a new trail bike, you want something that turns up the dial on fun factor, and the JET comes ride-ready to crank it. Paired with the [R]Evolution geometry, the JET packs 120mm of CVA powered magic carpet ride suspension that will see you floating up technical climbs with tons of traction and send you flying smoothly over everything else.
27.5” plus compatibility
Building great bikes for discerning riders has been our message since day one, and to continue, we have to take full advantage of all the technology advances available to us. Some of the biggest changes have come in wheel dimensions. We’ve already incorporated 29” plus and Boost spacing on some of our bikes, and now we’re ready to add 27.5” plus to the list. With an effective diameter similar to a 29” wheel and tire, the 27.5” plus is a familiar size for us and one that lends additional versatility. The JET really writes a whole new chapter for us, and allows you to choose the wheel that’s right for you, all on the same bike.
Design Features
The trail taming JET reaps huge benefits from Boost spacing on the rear. By taking advantage of the wider dimensions, our engineers have been able to grow tire clearance for typical trail sized 29er tires, while also providing adequate room for the similar diameters of 27.5” plus tires. Boost spacing also changes the game with regard to suspension kinematics, paving the way for longer travel while achieving shorter, stiffer chain stays.
The JET lands right in the sweet spot for the all-in-one trail bike. The 120mm of roll-and-go rear suspension is nicely balanced with 29” wheels and an accompanying 130mm fork. The resulting 67.5 degree head angle is ideal for all day riding and tackling any tough spots along the way. To keep the geometry in line, the fork gets bumped up to 140mm when matched to 27.5” plus wheels, giving the JET predictable steering response no matter which wheels you ride.
There are so many drivetrains available today, but with the JET you can feel free to choose almost any of them. Take your pick whether you’re a dual-ring hold out, subscribe to the new 1X fashion, or even like mounting an ISCG 05 guide for added peace of mind. And if you’ve got some extra cash burning a hole in your bank account, then go for the ultimate, Di2 single-ring version. The 73mm bottom bracket stands out against the latest trends though. Instead of housing plastic press fit cups, it is threaded for good old-fashioned serviceability and lets you swap out the BB easily when the need arises.
Our Carbon Compaction System construction is a key factor in building this lightweight singletrack slayer. This method squeezes out excess resin during the molding process, reducing voids and allowing us to maintain close tolerances on tube wall thickness. What comes out of the mold is a carbon frame that tips the scale far less than one would expect and yet it delivers the calculated ride quality, strength and durability that our engineers intended.
The JET is not just a product of expert engineering though, as our talented team of designers has also made sure that this mountain biking marvel looks as great as it performs. The colorful paint on carbon graphics they’ve drawn give the bike a brilliant pop that accentuates the frame’s bold, clean lines. Put all pieces together and what you get is the JET—a mach speed trail machine that looks as fast as it rides.
Key Features
- All new, completely redesigned frame uses RDO Carbon Compaction to produce the ultimate lightweight, trail worthy machine
- Niner’s patented CVA suspension design delivers 120mm of plush, efficient rear travel
- Revised geometry is optimized for modern trail riding, providing confident descending, efficient climbing and a bike that is just all around fun
- Boost 148 x 12 mm rear spacing for optimum power transfer, geometry, and wheel stiffness
- Compatible with 29×2.4 tires or 27.5 plus tires up to 3.0
- Internal and external dropper post routing
- 30.9mm seat post, 400mm length recommended, 34.9mm clamp
- BSA threaded 73mm bottom bracket with ISCG 05 mounts
- Zero stack headset included
- Electronic drivetrain wiring friendly including integrated battery storage in frame
The New RIP 9
The new RIP takes its place as the king of the mountain and Niner’s most capable trail bike. A product of our [R]Evolution, the RIP renews our outlook on what a long travel trail bike can and should do. It’s the go-to for backcountry epics and big terrain when you need every arrow in the quiver.
Built with 150mm of remarkably versatile suspension on a lightweight frame, the RIP gives you all the traction, control and fun that used to be the domain of big, all mountain crushers, but without the extra pounds. Now you can enjoy more travel with less weight, and when you can have more for less?…well, you always say yes.
[R]Evolution geometry
Focusing first on the frame, the critical feature is the [R]Evolution geometry that we have tested, evaluated and carefully selected. The roomy cockpit has a comfortable reach for short stem lengths, giving you quick handling and plenty of maneuverability to go mobbing through rock gardens and barreling big berms. The steep seat angle gets you centered in the bike and pairs nicely with the short 439mm chainstay length for better pedaling efficiency than anyone deserves from a long legged trail bike. And of course the compact rear allows you to square off turns and play your way down the trail.
CVA
But what about all of that suspension? More than just the amount, dialed suspension is a must for any trail bike, and the RIP is built around our patented Constantly Varying Arc (CVA) suspension. At its core, CVA is designed to remain fully active, all the time. The system harnesses chain tension to counteract squat and bob, but unlike other short-link setups, the pair of linkages rotate in opposite directions allowing them to react independently to both pedaling and terrain inputs. What you get is a bike that both pedals great and has plush, stoke worthy suspension for amazing big bike versatility.
Even with the built in efficiency of CVA, this bike is a real ripper, serving up its 150mm of just-send-it suspension to give you a new lease on any trail. Gone are the same old obstacles. What you’ll see instead is a whole new series of fantastically fun features to hit, jump and gap for glory until you’re smiling ear to ear.
27.5” plus compatibility
We embrace change when it means bettering the performance of our bikes. Advances in technology are enabling us to take new approaches to design and engineering, and nothing has had a bigger effect over the last several years than the evolution of wheel dimensions. Having already adopted 29” plus and Boost spacing into our lineup, we’re now introducing another wheel option, 27.5” plus. Given its similar diameter to a 29” wheel with a trail tire, the 27.5” plus wheel adds another layer of versatility to this already amazingly capable trail bike.
Design Features
Designed to be a hard charger, the RIP benefits greatly from the wider Boost spacing in the rear. As most engineers will tell you, the extra millimeters at the axle gives them additional tools when it comes to building better frames. Boost allows them to keep the RIP’s chainstays short, yielding a responsive ride in spite of the healthy amount of suspension travel. But it also opens the door to building in tire clearance that could only be dreamed of previously. With loads of room for the average 29” trail tire, the RIP can also comfortably accommodate 27.5” plus tires, giving you the choice of what wheel and tire combination is right for you.
To best complement the two wheel sizes, the RIP is offered in a number of unique build configurations. The 29er versions are mated to Boost 160mm forks up front, translating to a 66.5 degree head angle and true big hit handling. To offset the slight difference in effective wheel diameter and maintain the intended geometry, the 27.5” plus forks grow to 170mm of travel giving you even more confidence when dropping into chunky trail sections.
The RIP relies on a 1X drivetrain with a few extra features to keep you rolling. Something many will welcome, the 73mm bottom bracket shell is threaded so you can easily service and swap BBs when necessary. It also comes with ISCG 05 tabs so you can mount a guide if you’re looking for an added bit of chain retention confidence. And for those wanting next-level shifting performance, the RIP is also Di2 compatible so you can route wires and enjoy a truly deluxe drivetrain.
The RIP frame itself is built using our Carbon Compaction system. To ensure proper wall thickness and minimize strength sapping voids, the carbon plies are cured under intense pressure. This forces out superfluous resin producing a remarkably resilient structure that not only matches our engineering specifications for strength, durability and weight, but also looks super clean and stealthy.
And let’s face, in spite of a load of great functions and features, sometimes it all comes down to good looks, and the RIP’s got ’em. The two available paint and carbon finish options highlight the frame’s bold lines, while the internal dropper and shifter routing keeps distracting housing out of sight. The result—the RIP is a bike you’ll be psyched to ride on the trails, show off to all your friends, and most of all, you’ll be stoked to call it your very own.
Key features
- All new, completely redesigned frame uses RDO Carbon Compaction to produce the ultimate lightweight, trail worthy machine
- Niner’s patented CVA suspension design delivers 150mm of plush, efficient rear travel
- Revised geometry is optimized for modern trail riding, providing confident descending, efficient climbing and a bike that is just all around fun
- Boost 148 x 12 mm rear spacing for optimum power transfer, geometry, and wheel stiffness
- Compatible with 29×2.5 tires or 27.5 plus tires up to 3.0
- Internal and external dropper post routing
- 30.9mm seat post, 400mm length recommended, 34.9mm clamp
- BSA threaded 73mm bottom bracket with ISCG 05 mounts
- Zero stack headset included
- Electronic drivetrain wiring friendly including integrated battery storage in frame
Geometry
Local Availability
The bikes will be available internationally from August and we should see them arrive in South Africa in September. The frameset options will go for around R46,500 while the pricing on the full bike models still need to be determined.
...I'll wait patiently for the expert opinions....