Niner's take on their cutting-edge cyclocross racing bike are clear: responsive, light, laterally stiff but horizontally compliant, disc brakes, and quick handling. The match of a SRAM 1x11 road groupset flows nicely into this concept. All of these characteristics are exemplified by the BSB 9 RDO Rival Bike, a svelte carbon frame and fork built for with Maxle style thru-axle dropouts. The super reliable Rival 1x11 Hydraulic Disc Road groupset is a perfect choice for a the destructive conditions of the average cyclocross course. It is cost effective to replace parts, and truly reliable and durable at impact and under extreme physical stresses.

Cyclocross has changed in the last few years. Carbon as a frame material has made frames stiff and light; even more durable in some ways than the lightweight alloy and Scandium framesets that preceded the carbon influx. Oversized head and steerer tubes made forks stiffer both laterally and vertically. Advances in disc brakes, as well as rim construction and greater rim width immediately applied naturally to cyclocross. The tubeless generation afforded tire options and exceptionally low pressures found on tubular tires. Even tubular rims and tires adapted to the new equipment standards. Rider technique evolved as well. Stiffer bikes and forks changed they way riders attacked corners, jumps, and hops. Lower tire pressures and wider rims broadened the overall traction capabilities, allowing riders to truly rely on lateral rigidity in off camber action, knowing the tire could hold the line, even in slick or muddy conditions. The skills of riders are constantly developing and pushing these technologies.

Enter the BSB 9 RDO frameset. Niner's Carbon Compaction System (CCS) optimizes the carbon lay-up and reduces excess epoxy to keep the disc brake specific frame weight under 1000 grams (Small), and the carbon disc fork comes in just over 500 grams (uncut). The 142mm/12mm thru-axle system in the rear and gently curving stays keep the back end stiff and light, through the oversized, full carbon PF30 bottom bracket shell. The front triangle offers shapes and planes that are cyclocross specific for easy carry, but also provide horizontal compliance while retaining incredible power transfer and torsion resistance through the oversized head tube. Combined with the tapered steerer of the Niner RDO cyclocross specific fork, the front end offers precise, confident handling. The fork itself is a full carbon design that draws on the company's years of experience with XC carbon MTB forks, and is laterally stiff down through the 100mm/15mm thru axle mount, yet absorbs vibration and chatter to smooth out the ride as much as possible.

Geometry is cross race-specific, with a steeper head tube angle for sharp, precise cornering, as well as 425mm chainstays, which keep the back end quick and responsive. All angles and even the BB height vary with frame size, with expected crank length factored into BB height. The BSB 9 RDO carries Niner's C5 (5-year) warranty, so you know the company has taken great care to build a race-worthy frame that can hold up to the rigors and challenges of cyclocross, and they back it up. Rider comfort is subjective, but in addition to the aforementioned frame and fork characteristics, Niner opted for a 27.2mm seatpost on the slightly sloping BSB 9 RDO. Most riders will have seat heights that allow for adequate flex length for most carbon posts, with great variety in the market for flex, offset, and clamping options. Niner recommends a 400mm length post length.

Frame and build details are crucial to your buying decision. The frame and fork will both accommodate up to a 40mm wide tire (actual width will vary by manufacturer) but the fork is even more generous. Disc brake use is limited to a max rotor size of 160mm. Both frame and fork caliper mounts are 74mm post style with the rear located inside the dropout junction. The rear hydraulic housing is cleanly run on tabs on the non-drive side of the frame, via the downtube. There are two sets of recessed water bottle cage bosses inside the triangle for training season or general purpose riding. Niner supplies the tapered, integrated Campy style headset, front and rear Maxles, and the 31.8mm seatpost collar. The 68mm PF30 BB has suits the Rival BB30 crankset.

This is a cyclocross race bike. From engineering, through design, and details, the requirements and bike interactions of the cross rider were implemented. The 1x11 Rival (42T x 11-28) drivetrain was chosen for power and range, with the mid-cage rear derailleur. The Rival HRD hydraulic flat mount brakeset delivers smooth, fade-free power to the 6-bolt, 140mm G30 disc rotors. Shifting and braking are handled with aplomb. Niner equipped the BSB 9 RDO Rival Bicycle with a NoTubes Grail wheelset featuring the adaptable NEO 6-bolt thru-axle hubset. Schwalbe's 700x33 X-One EVO SS tubeless ready tires. Niner supplies the cockpit with their 400mm Alloy seatpost carrying a custom Niner saddle, Alloy stem, Alloy Droptop handlebar, integrated headset and Niner handlebar tape.

If you are ready for a turn-key race bike for the season ahead, Niner makes the BSB 9 RDO Rival Bicycle just for you, and we are here to help you get a leg over. If you have questions about the fit geometry or build, please give us a call at 800.627.6664 and one of our helpful cycling staff members will talk you through this fantastic bike.