niner jet9 rdo mba review

7/28/2019 Niner Jet9 RDO MBA Review

1/5

6/24/12 3:ike Test: Niner Jet 9 RDO | News | mountain-bike-action

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Bike Test: Niner Jet 9 RDOPosted 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 thismeans they cannot and will not release me too products. Thats why after three years of Finite ElementAnalysis (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. Aftertesting their hardtail version, the Air Nine Carbon (November 2010), and realizing what a carbon 29-inchrace bike is capable of, we had high hopes for this bike.

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2/5



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 cross-country racecourse, especially on rougher enduro-style courses. But the bikes travel and geometry give itenough 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 hardwareholding Niners patented CVA suspension platform together. The frames 4 inches of travel ride oncartridge bearings and are controlled by a custom-valved Fox RP23 shock. The chainstay and bottombracket 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 a10x135-millimeter quick-release axle.

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3/5



WHICH COMPONENTS STAND OUT?

Carbon wheels always make a bike feel fast. The Reynolds XC 29er wheelset is no exception. The crispand quick hub engagement is paired with ultralight and stiff rims. It makes for a package that wants to getup the steeps like a monkey scalded with a branding iron. The Kashima-coated Adaptive Logic RP23cant 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, withabout 20-percent sag front and rear. The frame is compatible with forks up to 4.7 inches of travel, and ourtest bike came with the travel-adjustable Fox TALAS 120. The lower 3.7- inch-travel setting gives thebike a race feel, while the longer 4.7-inch travel setting raises the front end for trail riding and moreaggressive terrain.

Ergonomics:Our large frame felt on the long side, staying true to Niners tendency to run big. One minorcomplaint was the routing of the rear brake hose, which bows out when the suspension compresses. Aquick zip-tie around the rocker solved the issue, but it would be nice to see a cable guide placed here toremedy it. A highlight of the bikes feel comes from the Niner carbon flat bar, which keeps the front endlow and rider weight balanced over the frame. Its relatively wide at 28 inches and delivers plenty ofleverage 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 harshor sacrificing pedaling efficiency. Climbing:We took the Jet up steep, long climbs right out of the gate, and it did not disappoint. Hardefforts are rewarded with a lightweight, lively feel that cruises up grinding hills. For more technical, shortascents, the bike responds best to a mix of in- and out-of-the-saddle styles. The suspension remains activeunder pedaling forces, so staying seated while climbing over technical terrain works best.


4/5



Cornering:The Jet 9 RDO is a race bike with trailbike chops. The front end feels quick but not twitchywhen 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, allowsthis bike to rail corners. Throw in carbon rims and soft-compound tires and you have a race bike that turnslike a slot car.

Descending:The Jet RDO descends with confidence, especially when using the longer travel setting onthe 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, butit makes the ProPedal lever difficult to reach. Fortunately, the suspension design resists pedal bobreasonably well and does not require the rider to switch between settings all that often. We got greatresults by choosing a certain ProPedal level, depending on conditions, and then not touching it for thewhole ride. While the Formula R1 brakes are very lightweight and deliver loads of power, they squeal likea stuck pig. If power-to-weight ratio is your primary concern, you will like these brakes. If noise is aconcern 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, lookelsewhere. 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 stillshred the descent on the backside.


5/5



Reprinted from our December 2011 issue. Like us on Facebook

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niner jet9 rdo mba review

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