The Niner JET 9 RDO has now fully evolved from a cross country machine to a true fast trail bike with shorter chainstays and slacker head tube angles. Built here with a sweet 4-Star build including a FOX 34 Float Factory FIT4 EVOL 130mm travel fork RaceFace/Shimano XT M8100 1x12 drivetrain, this complete bike can tackle any trail, marathon, or epic ride. With a Boost 148mm frame standard, 120mm of rear wheel Niner CVA travel, ISCG 05 tabs, new [R]Evolution geometry that handles both 29" and 27.5" Plus wheels and tires, as well as the full-on RDO carbon treatment, the Jet 9 RDO is ready to hit at aggressive XC/trail and more depending on your optimal configuration. Climbing, technical capability, nimble handling and control; with 29ers it used to be, as the saying goes, pick two. Now you don't have to.

Boost spacing for the rear triangle has been a game changer for many designs, and for the JET 9 RDO the opportunity to add tire clearance (29" to 2.5", 27.5+ to 3"), shorten the chainstays (to 434mm) and add frame stiffness from the 12/148mm rear dropout and new bottom bracket junction. Combined with the bump from 100mm to 120mm of rear wheel travel, the overall combination delivers a much more capable design. By changing the front end to accommodate a longer front center position with a shorter stem and wider handlebar, and moving to a 29er geometry optimized for a 130mm fork delivered a 67.5° headtube angle (140mm 67° with 27.5+). Now the design is much more capable on technical descents, with back-end flickability and front-end quickness pure trail riders absolutely require. No more compromises for the JET nameplate.

The RDO-level carbon frames from Niner are also no compromise. The premium quality carbon materials and advanced Niner CCS process uses rigid internal molds, which increases the level of compaction and precision in wall thickness. The light, stiff frame features the 12/148mm Boost rear drop out, with a replaceable derailleur hanger and increased lateral stiffness from the bottom bracket to the rear axle, resulting in better power transfer. The wider bottom bracket junction and the tapered headtube also benefit greatly from CCS, creating a frame that exhibits much improved torsional stiffness.

Niner's patented 29er specific suspension design is called CVA, for Constantly Varying Arc travel and has been optimized for this 120mm JET 9 RDO. The lower pivot sits under the bottom bracket, creating an instant center location in front of the BB. A dual linkage system then reacts with counter force to suspension load. This essentially isolates the drivetrain from the suspension, maintaining pedaling efficiency throughout the travel range. Sag setting is crucial, because just past sag, the axle path moves inward, with a constantly varying arc, limiting chain growth throughout the travel range. The active rear suspension is handled by a CVA-specially tuned Fox EVOL shock. The Kashima Coat keeps action smooth and clean, while the manual lever allows the rider to easily select the most effective platform for the conditions. Niner makes all it's own excellent hardware, and the super stiff linkage is made from high pressure molded carbon. Enduro Max Black Oxide sealed bearings handle the action.

Hopefully you can see the true breadth of what Niner has accomplished with the JET 9 RDO and how this build allows you to exploit the capabilities. You get an exceptional trail ready frameset that offers you tremendous build flexibility without compromising on the true trail capabilities of the frame. Built here as a complete 29er with a 1x12 drivetrain, if you change your set-up next year, you can go 27.5+ with a double and a guard, and other options as well. If you are a dedicated trail rider that pushes beyond what an XC bike can achieve, but love to climb, descend, and carry serious speed, the Excel Sports Niner JET 9 RDO 4-Star Bicycle with [R}Evolution geometry and 120mm of frame travel is right for you.