Few complete bikes carry more bang for the buck than the RLT 9 RDO 2-Star Apex 1. The use of the Apex 1 group keeps the price as low as possible on considering the cost of a bare RLT 9 RDO frameset. In 2020 Niner updated the RLT 9 RDO Frameset for wider tires and an overall geometry that offers improved stability and agility with either 650b or 700c wheels/tires. The generous tire clearance is now capable of supporting 700x50c or 650bx2.0 options. In re-conceiving the RLT 9 line-up, Niner has essentially made the carbon RDO, Steel, and Alloy versions with the same features. While the RDO is still lightweight, responsive to pedal load, and gravel race worthy, it also has 26 mounts to accommodate bags, cages, fenders, racks, and lights. This assures you can have the performance and compliance with full gravel genre capability. Niner has also changed the fork to a 12/100mm thru-axle, as more gravel-oriented wheels are being made with that standard. Flat Mount disc brake caliper interfaces keep the set-up clean.

Along those lines, the updated fork has internal brake hose and dynamo hub cable routing features. The frame is compatible with wired, wireless, geared, singlespeed, 1x, and 2x drivetrains, with updated End-to-end, Full Sleeve internal cable guides for RDO, and dropper post routing. The entire system is easier to use, and features better optimized access points and ports. Niner has opted to stay with the PF30 bottom bracket shell. While some may question this, it was important to Niner to give the most flexibility in crank and bottom bracket choices, including the ability to run the RLT 9 RDO as a single-speed with their Biocentric option. With great thread-together type bottom bracket options now available, you can get a zero-creak interaction with the PF30 system. The seattube allows you to run a clamp style front derailleur for 2x drivetrains or is left bare with a 1x set-up. Niner has kept the desirable 27.2mm diameter seatpost specification, and they do recommend a 400mm version so you have safe insertion length and increased compliance with the sloping-style frame.

The Race Day Optimized carbon CCS frame lay-up process has been proven throughout the Niner mountain line-up and is perfect for the RLT platform. The tube shapes, junctions, and tapered headtube all create incredible torsional stiffness under heavy pedal load as well as rough surfaces. Vertical compliance ensures reduced rider fatigue and discomfort. The rear dropout features a 12/142mm thru-axle system with a replaceable hanger, while- as mentioned- the fork now has the 12x100mm thru-axle. As Niner develops and builds the frame and fork to be fully complementary, the ride and overall characteristics are matched for a unified feel and consistent performance.

The overall RLT 9 Fireroad geometry returns, with comparable final numbers as the previous generation, the model year 2020 frameset achieves this despite increasing tire size capacity and the requirements of both 700c and 650b wheel options. Clearly when using the 650b option at lower tire volume sizes, the standover and BB drop will be different, which may also affect fork trail. Most of these differences are subtle and Niner worked at creating the proper combination of stability and handling, along with a feel that results in agility in either wheel size. The frameset will track cleanly, yet offer cornering responsiveness you need on tighter and/or more technical terrain even when you are loaded up for bikepacking. While mentioning adventure based features, it should be noted that Niner has also created a line of direct mount bags that simplifies bike set-up and offers a clean, efficient gear storage system.