Bike Test: Niner Jet 9 RDO | News | mountain-bike-action

6/24/12 3:00 PM

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Bike Test: Niner Jet 9 RDO

Posted Date: 1/29/2012

Niner Jet 9 RDO

Carbon here we come
Niner has always been a small company willing to swim with the sharks instead of the guppies, and this means they cannot and will not release me too products. Thats why after three years of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and testing, Niner has come to the table with a pure-bred carbon race framethe Jet 9 RDO (Race Day Optimized). This is Niners first venture into the carbon full-suspension world. After testing their hardtail version, the Air Nine Carbon (November 2010), and realizing what a carbon 29-inch race bike is capable of, we had high hopes for this bike.

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Bike Test: Niner Jet 9 RDO | News | mountain-bike-action

6/24/12 3:00 PM

WHO IS IT MADE FOR? The Niner Jet 9 RDOs name lets on that its a race-day-only rig. This bike is at home on any crosscountry racecourse, especially on rougher enduro-style courses. But the bikes travel and geometry give it enough versatility to be used for any trail ride, as long as you dont mind going fast. WHAT IS IT MADE FROM? The RDO is made from carbon front and rear. It has forged aluminum links and machined hardware holding Niners patented CVA suspension platform together. The frames 4 inches of travel ride on cartridge bearings and are controlled by a custom-valved Fox RP23 shock. The chainstay and bottom bracket have custom titanium guards to prevent damage from a dropped chain. The all-new frame also features internal-shifter cable routing, a press-fit bottom bracket, direct-mount front derailleur and a 10x135-millimeter quick-release axle.
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Bike Test: Niner Jet 9 RDO | News | mountain-bike-action

6/24/12 3:00 PM

WHICH COMPONENTS STAND OUT? Carbon wheels always make a bike feel fast. The Reynolds XC 29er wheelset is no exception. The crisp and quick hub engagement is paired with ultralight and stiff rims. It makes for a package that wants to get up the steeps like a monkey scalded with a branding iron. The Kashima-coated Adaptive Logic RP23 cant be missed. HOW DOES IT PERFORM? Moving out: The Jet RDO feels very familiar if youve spent time on a Niner. The setup is simple, with about 20-percent sag front and rear. The frame is compatible with forks up to 4.7 inches of travel, and our test bike came with the travel-adjustable Fox TALAS 120. The lower 3.7- inch-travel setting gives the bike a race feel, while the longer 4.7-inch travel setting raises the front end for trail riding and more aggressive terrain. Ergonomics: Our large frame felt on the long side, staying true to Niners tendency to run big. One minor complaint was the routing of the rear brake hose, which bows out when the suspension compresses. A quick zip-tie around the rocker solved the issue, but it would be nice to see a cable guide placed here to remedy it. A highlight of the bikes feel comes from the Niner carbon flat bar, which keeps the front end low and rider weight balanced over the frame. Its relatively wide at 28 inches and delivers plenty of leverage for hard efforts. Pedaling: The Niner pedals with great efficiency, with or without the assistance of the ProPedal switch. The rear suspension and Fox shock work together to deliver small-bump compliance without feeling harsh or sacrificing pedaling efficiency. Climbing: We took the Jet up steep, long climbs right out of the gate, and it did not disappoint. Hard efforts are rewarded with a lightweight, lively feel that cruises up grinding hills. For more technical, short ascents, the bike responds best to a mix of in- and out-of-the-saddle styles. The suspension remains active under pedaling forces, so staying seated while climbing over technical terrain works best.

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Bike Test: Niner Jet 9 RDO | News | mountain-bike-action

6/24/12 3:00 PM

Cornering: The Jet 9 RDO is a race bike with trailbike chops. The front end feels quick but not twitchy when diving into corners and switchbacks. As with most 29-inch designs, the wheelbase is relatively long; however, the low center of gravity, coupled with smart geometry and balanced weight distribution, allows this bike to rail corners. Throw in carbon rims and soft-compound tires and you have a race bike that turns like a slot car. Descending: The Jet RDO descends with confidence, especially when using the longer travel setting on the fork. While the 4 inches of rear-wheel travel wont be winning any gravity races, the suspension is active and effective without feeling as harsh as other race bike setups. TRICKS, UPGRADES OR TIPS? Niners suspension system is very low on the bike. Its advantageous to keep the center of gravity low, but it makes the ProPedal lever difficult to reach. Fortunately, the suspension design resists pedal bob reasonably well and does not require the rider to switch between settings all that often. We got great results by choosing a certain ProPedal level, depending on conditions, and then not touching it for the whole ride. While the Formula R1 brakes are very lightweight and deliver loads of power, they squeal like a stuck pig. If power-to-weight ratio is your primary concern, you will like these brakes. If noise is a concern at all, go for another setup. BUYING ADVICE The Jet 9 RDO is a perfect bike for many riders. If youre looking for a long-travel trailbike, look elsewhere. If youre going for a sub-20-pound race rig, itll be tough to get there. Everywhere in between, the bike is an excellent performer. It delivers excellent climbing and pedaling efficiency and can still shred the descent on the backside.

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Bike Test: Niner Jet 9 RDO | News | mountain-bike-action

6/24/12 3:00 PM

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