Niner is rolling out the RIP9 RDO - a carbon version of their popular 29-inch trail bike. The carbon RIP9 RDO is the fifth carbon bike in the company’s line.
Compared to the aluminium RIP9, the suspension travel increases from 120mm to 125mm. The carbon bike also gets removable ISCG 05 tabs and a redesigned, offset linkage to clear chainguides, as well as internal cable routing through the head tube.
Like its aluminium predecessor, the RIP9 RDO can accommodate 120mm to 140mm forks. The head tube angle is 70.5° with a 120mm fork, which slackens to 69.5° when running 140mm of travel up front. This makes it one of the steeper 29er trail bikes on the market. Niner notes the frame’s tapered head tube allows for Angleset compatibility, should riders want to slacken the front end.
This complete build reportedly weights 27-pounds. Frame weight with shock is expected to be under six pounds.
Other revisions include a 142x12 Maxle rear end, larger diameter Enduro cartridge bearings, and carbon links. The four main pivots use angular contact bearings, which were chosen over pressed-in bearings for ease of maintenance and the ability to eliminate any play in the rear end by increasing preload, much like one would snug up a loose headset. The main and lower drive-side linkages have integrated spindles, similar to those found on modern two-piece cranksets. These spindles are threaded on the end and are adjusted on the non-drive side with a Shimano lockring tool.
Production frames are expected to weigh sub-six pounds (including the stock Kashima-coated Fox Float CTD shock). The prototype on display reportedly weighs 27 pounds; removing the dropper seatpost, chain guide and tubes from the tires could easily get this bike into the 25 pound range.
The RIP9 RDO is expected to be available in March of 2013. Frames will retail for US$2,899. There will also be a frameset option offered with a painted-to-match Rockshox Revelation for US$3,550, as well as a range of complete build kits.
