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First Look: Niner RIP 9 RDO- A Quiver Killer?

18.09.2014
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The Niner RIP 9 RDO has won multiple industry awards and has been called a “quiver killer” by some. It goes up very well, and goes down even better. Featuring Niner’s Constantly Varying Arc (CVA) suspension design, they slightly redesigned the carbon version from the aluminum to give it 10 more mm of travel in the rear, and make it lighter. A trail bike in every sense of the word.

The Niner RIP 9 RDO features Niner’s patented CVA suspension and delivers 125mm of fully active travel.
The Niner RIP 9 RDO features Niner’s patented CVA suspension and delivers 125mm of fully active travel.

The Niner RIP 9 RDO features RDO (Race Day Optimized) Carbon Compaction System, patented CVA suspension, carbon linkages, ISCG compatibility and a great amount of travel to be ridden daily. With a great parts spec of Stan’s wheels, Rock Shox Pike, SRAM XO1 11sp cranks and derailleur, this bike begs to be ridden hard in Colorado or wherever you are.

Some of the features of the bike:

  • 125mm of patented CVA suspension
  • Compatible with 120-140mm forks
  • Carbon suspension linkage and unique Niner alloy hardware
  • Brakes: Shimano XT with Ice Tech Pads and 180/160MM Rotors
  • Stans NoTubes 3.30/ZTR Flow EX wheels, 15MM FRONT, 142 X 12MM REAR
  • Fork: RockShox Pike RCT3 Solo Air 140mm
Custom Niner saddle.
Custom Niner saddle.
Niner alloy hardware gives the bike a little extra cool factor.
Niner alloy hardware gives the bike a little extra cool factor.
Sram X1 alloy crank.
Sram X1 alloy crank.
Stans 330 and ZTR Flow EX wheels. Durable.
Stans 330 and ZTR Flow EX wheels. Durable.
Rock Shox Pike RCT3 in 140mm travel version.
Rock Shox Pike RCT3 in 140mm travel version.
Custom beer bottle top cap lets you know what you'll be doing after the ride.
Custom beer bottle top cap lets you know what you’ll be doing after the ride.
Shimano XT brakes with Ice Tech pads are proven stoppers. 180/160 rotors.
Shimano XT brakes with Ice Tech pads are proven stoppers. 180/160 rotors.
Niner has learned a lot about geometry and suspension specifically for 29'ers. The CVA suspension design is patented.
Niner has learned a lot about geometry and suspension specifically for 29’ers. The CVA suspension design is patented.
Niner stem and bar. The bar is RDO carbon.
Niner stem and bar. The bar is RDO carbon.

The RIP 9 RDO as equipped here rings in at $6099, which they call the 4 Star XO1. The Rip comes in multiple versions, with a 5-STAR XTR version being $8199, and a 2-STAR SLX costing $4199.00, along with other models.

450mm chain stay lengths, great parts specs, Niner Carbon Compaction System for tight tolerances with CVA patented suspension and a 5 year warranty on the frame will have lots of folks lining up to purchase this bike.

You can always find more info over on Niner’s website.

Words, Photos: Daniel Dunn

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