New Niner RIP and JET available in 27plus
Originally posted on July 7, 2016 at 14:46 pmIt has happened and we’re not particularly surprised: Niner Bikes is now offering 27plus models in addition to its steadfast dedication to 29ers. The new JET 9 RDO and RIP 9 RDO were also treated to suspension bump-ups. The JET frame is now 120 mm and will be paired with a 130 mm fork if set up as a 29er, and a 140 mm fork if set up 27plus. The RIP frame steps up to territory formerly occupied by the Niner WFO: 150 mm on the frame paired to a 160 mm fork (29er) or a whopping 170 mm fork on the 27plus.
Frame suspension on both bikes is provided by Niner’s Constantly Varying Arc (CVA) system. It’s a dual-link setup with linkages that rotate in opposite directions, allowing the rear suspension to react to pedaling and terrain independently. Niner claims CVA is fully active at all times by also harnessing chain tension to counteract squat and bob.
JET 9 RDO
The JET frame was completely re-designed with rear Boost spacing and using a carbon production process that “squeezes out excess resin during the molding process,” which supposedly allows for closer tolerances on tube thickness and a lighter frame weight as a result.
The bike had its chainstays stiffened and shortened to 434 mm. The seat tube angle is steeper (67.5 degrees). The frame will take a double chainring up front, or you can go all in and run the bike with electronic shifting. The bottom bracket is a good, old-fashioned 73 mm threaded job, and there’s a little window under the bottom bracket for servicing and installing cables (which, evidenced by the photo, are not all run completely internally—a good thing, in our opinion).
A total of eight builds are available in either black or yellow: four builds for each of the wheel sizes so you can take your pick and not sacrifice anything else. MSRP ranges from $4,500 (Shimano SLX, RockShox Pike RC Solo) to $9,500 (SRAM Eagle, FOX 34 Float Factory Fit4, ENVE M60 wheels). All builds come with a dropper post and Maxxis Rekon (front) and Ikon tires (rear). The bike starts shipping in August.
RIP 9 RDO
The new RIP’s rear Boost spacing helps keep its chainstays short (439 mm) while providing for plenty of mud clearance around your 29×2.5 DH tires, should you want them. The frame also sports a 67-degree head tube angle and a 75.5 degree seat tube angle.
The RIP frame is compatible with 1x drivetrains, only, but shares its sibling’s 73 mm threaded bottom bracket shell, underbelly window for cable servicing and remove-the-excess carbon layup process. As with most new bikes in this category, Niner opted for a long top tube mated to a short stem. The 29er versions get a Boost fork.
A total of eight builds are available in either black or orange: four builds for each of the wheel sizes just like the JET. MSRP ranges from $4,700 (Shimano SLX, RockShox Lyric RC Solo Air) to $9,800 (SRAM Eagle XO1, FOX 36 Float Factory Fit, ENVE M70 wheels). All builds come with a dropper post and Maxxis tires (2.8 on the plus bikes, but they will take up to 3-inch meats). The bike starts shipping in August.
