Niner's BSB 9 RDO carbon cyclocross frame is a favorite of riders who feel most comfortable with a bike that tracks clean and true, with quick, but predictable steering control and stability. Some riders go for a very quick handling design, and strictly by the numbers, the BSB 9 RDO isn't that bike. Make no mistake, this is a cross race design, but one rides with more versatility. Of course how you size and set-up your bike matters, as do your personal preferences and possibly even where you ride and race. We have built our BSB 9 RDO complete bikes with an Ultegra 6800 drivetrain and hydraulic disc brake package that can handle anything you throw at it, no matter how you choose to ride. And unlike some pure race bikes, this baby can handle gravel races without an inattentive rider finding themselves on the side of the road trying to figure out what happened.

The construction process Niner uses for their RDO frames is highly effective at delivering light, responsive, strong framesets. The Carbon Compaction System (CCS) optimizes the carbon lay-up and reduces excess epoxy to keep the disc brake specific frame weight of the BSB 9 RDO 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-specific, with a steeper head tube angle for sharp, precise cornering, as well as tight 425mm chainstays, which keep the back end quick and responsive. Nearly 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. 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 frame is compatible with single or double ring drivetrains, with a 34.9mm high clamp, bottom pull front derailleur. Internal routing was designed for full derailleur housing runs, and is Di2 compatible (including seatpost mounted battery style). 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 Niner RDO lightweight concept includes minimal paint/graphics and ultra thin decals that are sealed with a satin clear coat for protection and as usual, the overall finish is immaculate.... Read More