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.

Building a complete race bike to match the frameset wasn't difficult and we chose the high-performing, more affordable Ultegra 6800 11-speed 2x drivetrain to make it happen. With a 46-36 crankset and 11-28 cassette, smooth shifting and great range is ready to race. The 34.9mm front and short cage derailleurs and chain are Ultegra 6800 spec as well. A direct PF30 to 24mm Wheels Manufacturing bottom bracket is installed to eliminate adapters. Shimano developed the RS685 STI levers for shared use with Ultegra and Dura-Ace, with cable-actuated, mechanical shifting and hydraulic disc braking. The lever are only slightly large than fully mechanical versions, and the power, feel and efficiency of the hydraulic brakes is well worht any trade-off, especially one you won't notice a few rides. The BR785 hydraulic calipers match the post mounts of the frame and fork for the 140mm rotors. We opted for SRAM's Centerline 6-bolt rotors, as they seem to be most popular for cross.

The cockpit build features a 31.8mm diameter Niner Alloy Drop, Niner Alloy Stem and 27.2x400mm Seatpost handlebar, C220 alloy stem, all in the Slate Gray color. A Fizik Gobi M3 Kium Saddle offers a versatile platform for cross and fits many riders. Lizard Skins DSP 2.5 Black Handlebar Tape ensures excellent grip, wet, dry or muddy. The NoTubes ZTR Grail Comp Wheelset featuring NEO hubs is easily set-up for tubeless use, strong enough to handle the abuse of cross, and light enough for sharp acceleration and rapid corrections as the course requires. Tube-equipped Clement Crusade PDX tires deliver a sharp bite in soft material or mud and the 700x33mm size meets UCI regulations.

As a complete bike goes, this is a smart package. yes, you may opt for race wheels, different tires and saddle, etc, but nothing will stop you from rolling into the call-up with this bike out of the box. You will love the reliable and precise shifting, excellent braking, and the lively and responsive ride of the Niner BSB 9 RDO. If you have questions about the build, frameset, geoemetery or anything at all, please give us a call at (800)627-6664.