What is your Road Less Traveled? Does it carry across the hinterlands, with gravel roads, dirt tracks, and broken pavement? Or is it the alternative commute, the one that takes you over a few miles of road, through open space trails, and down the rutted path to the back parking lot at work? Perhaps it is just the freedom to head out and see where life takes you. It can be all of those trips, over time. Niner Bikes is with you, and if you choose, their RLT 9 will carry you. Niner built the RLT 9 to handle gravel roads, pavement or even less technical singletrack. This updated version features front and rear thru-axle systems. The ample tire clearance gives you many set-up options, and the smooth, stable ride carries from surface to surface, up hill or down. We don't want to say this is a do-it-all frameset, but it sure can do a lot, and quite well, in fact.

When considering the frame, there were two primary decisions- material and geometry. Niner's experience with the hydroformed aluminum tubing from the hardtail range demonstrated that the material could be shaped to be laterally stiff, vertically compliant, and both light and affordable enough to appeal to a broad segment. The flatter shapes of the top of the tubes gives compliance, while the triangular and curved shapes, lateral strength. The seat tube is designed for a 27.2mm seatpost, which can be much more flexible than an oversized design. Combined with a carbon post, the frame will eat up bumps and attenuate vibration to reduce rider fatigue. Niner recommends the RDO Carbon Seatpost due to it's optimal flex.

All cable routing is designed to be internal, with full housing runs. You have the option to run electronic shifting internally as well. The rear post mount for the disc brake is part of the proprietary forged drop out, for maximum strength. This updated RLT 9 was built with a 12/142mm rear Maxle-style thru-axle drop out . When paired with Niner's RLT specific, Gravel Grinder carbon fork, the frame comes alive. The fork is laterally stiff and won't deflect under load, but rides smoothly, damping vibration and surface chatter. The fork features an integrated post mount for your disc brake, and a 100mm/15mm Maxle-style thru-axle. The frame and fork were designed for tires up 1.75", essentially 45mm, though actual tire widths may vary.

The frame geometry also draws on Niner's hardtail background, but there were challenges. The steering needed to be both stable and responsive, and the frame needed offer good clearance and a snappy response. The decision was made to use the lower BB height concept found on the Air 9 hardtails, and to lengthen the chainstay to 435mm. The head tube angle varies slightly with frame size, but the 56cm runs a 71.5 degrees. Overall the frame is less responsive than a cyclocross racing bike, but more stable with better tracking on rough roads. In other words, Niner found the best balance for the broad aspirations of the frame. You will feel comfortable descending on singletrack (not too technical), but not worry about taking weight off the front of the bike on a gravel or pavement surface. Niner calls this their Fire Road Geometry- sounds about right.

Flexibility. That is the operative word. Prefer to run a single-speed? You can run Niner's BioCentric 30 eccentric adapter with a 24mm spindle crank. Feel like a trail heavy, loaded trip? The RLT can handle the wider 23-25mm 29er rims or the HED Belgium Plus with a 44mm tire. Rack and fender mounts front and rear allow you to carry your gear and keep your backside dry. Want to jump in as a last minute entry in a local cross race? Privateer away. Our expectation is that many enthusiasts will actually use the RLT in multiple ways, and the staff of cyclists here at Excel can help you with a build kit that serves you best.