Dedicated Niner fans have been waiting for the 29er specific company to release a full-suspension true XC race design since the get-go. The hardtails are great, and the Jet 9 hits a longer travel niche of the XC/trail category, but there has been a gap. The RKT 9 RDO fills it, and exceeds expectations. The 90mm suspension feels like a longer travel bike, but controlled by a Fox Float DPS shock, the rider can pick and choose based on trail requirements. Niner has embraced Boost spacing for the rear, pushing out to 148mm for incredible rear triangle and wheel stiffness, with the ability to run a true 2.4" tire if desired. Shorter chainstays and wheelbase bring the handling within millimeters of the Air 9 RDO hardtail in FS frame that weighs under 4.5lbs. The RKT 9 RDO exudes speed and control and is ready for anything from XC trail to XC race through Marathon and epic racing. As with all Niner bikes, the story is in the engineering and rider informed details.

As with all the RDO framesets, the RKT 9 features construction via Niner's Carbon Compaction System (CCS), which delivers substantial advancements in stiffness, durability and ride characteristics while keeping overall weight low. The CCS process uses rigid internal molds, which increases the level of compaction and precision in wall thickness. This reduces resin build-up from the compaction process and the end result is a frame that is internally clean and clear of excess material, and much greater control over the construction itself. The headtube also benefits greatly from CCS, creating an overall stiffer interface at this crucial junction. The rear triangle is also carbon, which keeps it stiff and light for an incredibly consistent ride quality. The Boost rear end has a 148mm/12mm rear drop out, with a replaceable derailleur hanger and exceptional lateral stiffness from the bottom bracket to the rear axle, resulting in better power transfer, and handles a 2.4" tire. Boost also requires moving the chainline out 3mm, so Boost-specific crank or ring (depending on crank manufacturer) designs are required. At just under 4.5lbs, the frame is amazingly light, yet incredibly strong, torsionally stiff and features an ideal, RKT 9 specific suspension set-up.

Niner's patented 29er specific suspension design is call CVA, for Constantly Varying Arc travel and has been optimized for 90mm travel. 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, regardless of the chainring/gearing combination, and basically eliminating the snap-back that can occur with many suspension designs as the suspension unloads. 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. That is a lot of technical talk, but CVA works exceptionally well, and takes full advantage of the 29er platform. The RKT 9 Carbon RDO is smooth and efficient, driven by a CVA/RKT9 specially tuned Fox Float DPS shock. The Kashima Coat keeps action smooth and clean, while the remote three position lever allows the rider to easily select the most effective platform for the conditions. Niner's custom forged 6066 alloy linkage is incredibly stiff, and light, and the company's own anodized red aluminum hardware is not only eye-catching, but easy to work with and maintain. Enduro Max Black Oxide sealed bearings smoothly handle the action.... Read More